On December 28, 2006, an anonymous email was sent to members of the City Council alleging improper use of the City’s email system by certain City employees for union business. The email stated in part: “We are concerned taxpayer-resident-employees of the City of Richmond. Since July, a number of out City employees have been misusing the City’s email system and therefore taxpayer dollars for the purpose of promoting a specific slate of candidates for a labor Union election involving a contentious termination of the Union’s director and election  of Union officials.”

Councilmembers John  Marquez and Rogers forwarded the email to the city manager, and he agreed to follow up on the matter. Both referrals were forwarded to Assistant City Manager/Human Resources Director Leslie Knight for action.

The City hired attorney Karen Kramer to perform an investigation. As a result of the investigation, City Manager Bill Lindsay determined that use of the City’s email system by the individuals involved was a technical violation of the law. Given the limited amount of usage for political purposes, Lindsay determined that no formal disciplinary action is warranted. Concerned, however, that the City’s email system was misused, he intended to see that the individuals involved receive a formal written counseling memo instruction them on the proper use of the City’s email system.

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