The City of Holbrook is under scrutiny for criminal activity, despite any apparent evidence to give merit to such claims. Reporter Nolan Madden with the White Mountain Independent, a south county publication, wrote a front page article with the heading Chaos in Holbrook.
In the story, Madden articulates the claims by Holbrook residents Leo Maestas and Bill Mosier of mismanagement, misconduct and criminal activity on the part of city employees. The lengthy story addresses the Sept. 27 Holbrook City Council meeting, but failed to investigate whether the accusations by the two men had validity.
In the meeting, Mosier alleges a “snow job” on the part of the city council in its appointment of interim city manager Randy Sullivan, citing lack of public notification, although the contract agreed upon by the council extended to May when the permanent position will be filled, or later if necessary. Since Sullivan is already the assistant manager, his selection as interim manager does not require public notification.
Mosier goes on to claim that both the state and federal government are supportive of an investigation regarding criminal activity on the part of the city, but noted that the information is being compiled and has not been presented to either.
He also told the council he had knowledge of a cover-up on the part of the city regarding the theft of $30,000 to $35,000 in fuel by city employees from Bradco Fuel, yet the owner of the firm, John Bradley, informed The Tribune-News that such an incident never occurred. “That never happened. I was so shocked to read about it and that something like that would be put in a paper without checking,” he said. Bradley noted that if such an incident had occurred, he certainly would have been aware of it. Bradley did state that he had received a call from Madden the day before the story was published but had not returned the call.
Maestas also came before the council, stating that Sullivan’s behavior would not by tolerated in North Korea, although he lacked specifics on what that “behavior” was or why such a comparison was relevant.
Both Mosier and Maestas have been regular attendees of the council’s meetings, presenting similar accusations, prompting Councilman Richard Peterson to invite the men to present their findings to the county attorney’s office, as the council no longer has patience for such antics.
Although both Mosier and Maestas claim that “many” residents were unhappy with what was taking place at the city, only Mosier and Maestas voiced their concerns at the meetings.
