Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken is facing a growing laundry list of allegations from her chief of staff that she was regularly drunk on city business, to the point she had to be driven home from city hall and attempted to search the former city manager’s car while intoxicated.
Those are just some of the allegations highlighted in a 25-page claim from Berenice Ballinas, Aitken’s chief of staff, released by the city on Thursday, noting multiple dates she witnessed Aitken drunk along with a slew of other allegations of impropriety from former City Manager Jim Vanderpool and other city leaders.
To read the claim,click here.
Ballinas also alleges the duo harassed her, repeatedly questioned and commented about her sexuality and that Aitken called her “a dirty Mexican” in Vanderpool’s presence and that the mayor referred to God as “her imaginary friend.”
Aitken did not respond to a request
Aitken did not respond to a request for comment on the claim and the allegations against her Thursday morning, but has previously denied allegations she hurled racist and homophobic insults.
The claims drop about a month before Aitken looks to defend the mayor’s seat against two political newcomers in the November election.
Lawrence Lennemann, Ballinas’ attorney, said in a brief Thursday phone interview the claim speaks for itself and wouldn’t comment further on the allegations.
Ballinas also claims to have reported conduct she
Ballinas also claims to have reported conduct she believed to have violated the law, including concerns the mayor did not reimburse the Qatar embassy nearly $17,000 for a trip to the Middle Eastern country, police overtime abuse, and Aitken using city staff to help with her prayer breakfast during city work hours on the taxpayer’s dime.
The Los Angeles Times’ Daily Pilot reported that the state’s Fair Political Practices Commission declined to investigate the Qatar issue.
Aitken and the rest of the city council will be discussing the claim at a special meeting behind closed doors tomorrow at 9 a.m.
Aitken’s chief of staff also claims that city
Aitken’s chief of staff also claims that city leaders and elected officials knew about the mayor’s drinking and dismissed Ballinas’ concerns when she asked for help.
“City leadership, officials, employees, elected officials, governmental colleagues, and outside stakeholders were well aware of the Mayor’s alcohol consumption and her resulting condition and behavior from their own personal observations,” reads the claim.
“Additionally, Claimant repeatedly communicated her concerns to members of City leadership and sought assistance. However, rather than establishing an effective mechanism that relieved Claimant of “responsibilities” outside of her job description that she lacked the authority to perform, senior officials frequently minimized the circumstances, treated difficult conduct by an elected official as something Claimant was expected to tolerate or learn to manage.”
Ultimately, Ballinas claims the city retaliated against
Ultimately, Ballinas claims the city retaliated against her for reporting her concerns including by withholding her salary raise and that current staff like City Attorney Rob Fabela, Interim City Manager Greg Garcia, Director of Human Rejikiley were witnesses to the mayor’s conduct
Vanderpool, who resigned earlier this year amid questions about his close ties to Disneyland resort interests investigated by the FBI, could not be reached and city spokesman Mike Lyster did not provide forwarding contact information for the former city manager.
Lyster said city officials are releasing the claim as part of a special closed session meeting agenda with “limited redactions” aimed at protecting personnel, medical and attorney client information.
Anaheim takes all claims seriously
“Anaheim takes all claims seriously. Our process is moving forward, with engagement of an independent, experienced investigator expected to be finalized soon. An independent investigation is expected to take place over the next few months,” said Lyster in a Thursday email sent to Voice of OC with a link to the complaint.
“We are looking for a comprehensive, impartial review that balances expediency with due process. Beyond that, we want to respect all involved and will share any additional updates as appropriate.”
Editor’s note: Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken’s father, Wylie Aitken, chairs Voice of OC’s board of directors.
Hosam Elattar is a Voice of OC reporter. Contact him at helattar@voiceofoc.org.
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