Accused city worker speaks about payroll scandal

Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Miya Shay
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(2/28/06 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- Christopher Mays is one of the four workers in the mayor pro tem's office accused of accepting improper bonuses. He's been suspended since the scandal broke, but he broke his silence with Eyewitness News.

It's been a difficult week and a half for Mays and the other employees who've been on suspension. There are lots of unknowns and rumors swirling around. Mays is reluctant to say much.

"It's pretty hectic," he said. "There are some pretty serious accusations, but I would just like to withhold any comment until the matter is fully investigated."

The seven-year veteran of city hall was sent home when the bonus scandal in the mayor pro tem's office broke almost two weeks ago. Mays, along with Florence Watkins, Theresa Orta and Rosita Hernandez, are accused of improperly obtaining bonuses adding up to $140,000.

While the office of inspector general's investigation is continuing, the mayor says he's not calling for Mayor Pro Tem Carol Alvarado's resignation yet.

"It's obvious that there were some problems with oversight in that office," admitted Mayor Bill White. "We'll look at the investigation. How much somebody could have known with reasonable diligence is something I think the investigation will shed light on."

Alvarado is maintaining her regular council schedule, having hired a PR firm to handle most of the media inquiries.

"They're going to help us to get to the bottom of this," Alvarado said. "I've got constituents I have to represent. I've got a job to do. That's what I'm focused on right now."

Alvarado maintains she knew nothing about the lengthy paper trail that documents the large bonuses. And for now, Mays isn't saying publicly what he knows.

"I'm not sure (if Alvarado knew)," he said. "And I'd rather not comment."

Mays said once the OIG's investigation is complete he will be willing to talk further about exactly what went on inside the mayor pro tem's office. As for the status of that investigation, city officials say they expect that to be completed later this week.

Alvarado has hired high profile lawyer Rusty Hardin as a result of the city hall scandal, even though she has not been charged in connection with the case.
(Copyright © 2006, KTRK-TV)

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