Newsom Cleared Of Wrongdoing In Tourk Timesheets

Apr. 11 - KGO (KGO) -- No evidence of impropriety -- a San Francisco city attorney's investigation has cleared Mayor Gavin Newsom's former paramour of any wrongdoing in her financial dealings with the city, but it does question some of her actions.

Last month, ABC7's I-Team found many of Ruby Tourk's timesheets were never approved by a manager during her two-and-a-half years in the mayor's office. Some she signed herself, others were signed by her husband, Alex Tourk, who was then deputy chief of staff.

While the report says that was inappropriate, it also concludes none of this was illegal since the mayor's office had no set policy on timesheet approvals.

The city attorney also looked into the $10,000 dollar retroactive pay Tourk received after she quit her job. The check was paid when she was being treated for substance abuse under the city's Catastrophic Illness Program -- CIP.

Investigators found no evidence of wrongdoing, but the report did question whether she should have been eligible. It said, "we did not find any case in which the Department of Public Health certified eligibility for the CIP based solely on substance abuse."

The report also found no evidence the mayor influenced payment of the check, but did say it was difficult to assess if other city officials gave Tourk special treatment.

The city attorney said his probe was limited because Alex and Ruby Tourk refused to talk to investigators. Neither would Ruby Tourk allow her medical records to be released.

Mayor Gavin Newsom says he's satisfied with the report.

Mayor Gavin Newsom, San Francisco: "Everything was done appropriately. That's exactly what I was saying and for my big critics, I imagine they'll be a little disappointed."

Disappointed they were. Supervisors Aaron Peskin and Ed Jew criticized the report as incomplete.

Ed Jew, San Francisco Supervisor: "We're going to request a hearing on this issue to really further investigate this matter."

Supervisors President Aaron Peskin wants the Tourks to appear.

Aaron Peskin, San Francisco Supervisors President: "The board does have the power to subpoena any individual pursuant to a city matter, yes."

ABC7's Vic Lee: "And are you going to do that?"

Aaron Peskin: "We'll see whether or not we get answers to the questions that need to be answered for the public."

The city attorney did not interview Mayor Gavin Newsom. ABC7 legal analyst Dean Johnson says the supervisors should.

Dean Johnson, ABC7 Legal Analyst: "The first two people you would talk to are the Tourks themselves, but then obviously the third party that's involved in every way is the mayor himself."

The city attorney also looked into whether Ruby Tourk violated city laws by working for Benefit Magazine while she was on leave from the city last year. His conclusion -- she had not.

The Tourk's spokesman, Sam Singer, tells ABC7 they feel "totally vindicated." But as you heard from the supervisors, it doesn't look like it's over.

MORE ON THIS STORY:

>> Ruby Tourk's letter of resignation sent in July of 2006
>> "How To Identify And Prevent Workplace Harassment" certificate given to Mayor Newsom in November of 2005

>> I-TEAM BLOG: Tourk's Paid Leave (2/15)
>> I-TEAM BLOG: Day of Bombshells (2/1)

>> Do Tourk Timesheets Reveal Special Treatment? (3/5)
>> City Hall Scandal: Did Tourk Bend The Rules? (2/16)
>> Exclusive: Did Tourk Receive Preferential Treatment? (2/16)
>> Should Aide Who Resigned Still Get Paid? (2/5)
>> Newsom Apologizes; So What's Next For The Mayor? (2/1)
>> Aide Says His Wife, Mayor Had Affair (1/31)

>> VIDEO: Ruby Tourk's appearance on "The View from the Bay"

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