Latest news with #AveryMoore
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
City of Tacoma shouldn't withhold Moore records on a technicality
C'mon. That's the thought that keeps popping into my head as I go over the City of Tacoma's reasons for denying a public records request from The News Tribune. When the news team here learned the city had investigated former police chief Avery Moore's use of leave while at the Tacoma Police Department, they made a request to see the records of that investigation. Now, the city has taken that straightforward ask and headed for the nearest loophole. It's part of a larger pattern of unnecessary delay on public records requests coming out of City Hall. And it comes at a time when the public has every reason to wonder what happened. Here's the city's reasoning: it hasn't made a final decision in its investigation into Moore's use of leave, so the city is exempted from providing the records. Based on state public records laws, the city is shielded from revealing notes and other records that would reveal opinions shared as part of the 'deliberative process,' before a final decision has been made. That has the ring of sense to it. But hold on, didn't Moore depart the Tacoma Police Department with a nearly $500,000 severance package in February? And wasn't another investigation into Moore's personal use of his work phone already concluded (and revealed to have cost the city $11,000 to conduct)? Yes, those things did just happen, which leaves one more question. What is there left for the city to decide when it comes to its investigation into the former chief's use of leave? Moore is gone. It's not like they can discipline him, let alone fire him. The City of Tacoma didn't indicate to The News Tribune's reporter when there might be a final decision. I can't help but wonder if the city shelved its questions into Moore's use of leave after he agreed to resign. That would leave a permanent ellipses at the end of its investigation, and an eternal cop-out from handing over any records. I asked City of Tacoma spokesperson Maria Lee whether the investigation had been shelved due to Moore's departure. She referred the question to the city's public records office, which did not provide additional information. It's not the first time the city has stonewalled public records requests. In 2021, two groups sued the city over withheld records, and won. The first group wanted to see documents from the Tacoma Police Department's use of cell phone location technology called a Stingray. A judge ordered the city to hand over the records and pay a penalty plus the group's legal fees. The second lawsuit concerned the city's records surrounding Puget Sound Energy's plans to build a liquid natural gas plant near the Port of Tacoma. A judge in that case ordered the city to implement public records training for the heads of all city departments, finding the city's previously existing training inadequate. Declining to provide answers based on a cute interpretation of public records laws doesn't serve the public interest. Sure, records of the investigation into Moore's use of leave could be a nothingburger. The News Tribune first learned of an investigation into Moore's use of leave from records of the city's investigation into a $1,000 charge Moore racked up on his work phone while using it for GPS during a family vacation to Sweden. Those records noted that city manager Elizabeth Pauli opened the HR investigation into Moore's use of leave in response to rumors. It could turn out that those rumors were unsubstantiated. But that's not the point. When a high-profile city hire takes a huge payout and leaves town without explanation, it's going to raise questions. Even more so when another investigation into that same hire cost more than 10 times the amount of the inappropriate phone charges it was looking into. So c'mon, City of Tacoma, it's time to give a real answer.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
City of Topeka hires assistant city manager
TOPEKA (KSNT) – The City of Topeka announced that it has hired an assistant city manager Monday. Avery Moore will serve as the next assistant city manager, according to a press release from the City of Topeka. Moore holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, a master's degree in management and is a Ph.D. candidate in leadership at Liberty University. Prior to joining the City of Topeka, Moore worked as a chief of police in Washington State. 'I am excited to be able to serve the City of Topeka in this capacity,' Moore said. 'I will continue to lead in a manner that promotes excellence with character.' Amtrak lets 250 employees go, eliminates numerous other positions 'Avery brings decades of leadership experience and a deep understanding of public service with a focused commitment to innovation and community engagement,' said City Manager Robert Perez said. 'He will be a tremendous asset to our organization and to the residents of Topeka.' Moore will oversee the city's public safety departments including the Topeka Fire Department, Municipal Court, Emergency Management and Topeka Police Department. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Yahoo
Tacoma Deputy Police Chief Paul Junger ousted after investigation
The Brief Tacoma's deputy police chief has been fired following the results of "an Equal Employment Opportunity investigation." Junger's departure comes nearly two months after former Tacoma police chief Avery Moore resigned from the department. TACOMA, Wash. - Tacoma's deputy police chief, Paul Junger, has been separated from the department after an external investigation. An email sent to all staff from the Tacoma Police Department on Monday confirmed that Junger was fired "following the conclusion of an Equal Employment Opportunity investigation." It goes on to say that the investigation "resulted in sustained findings." The backstory While the root cause of the investigation is unknown, Junger was previously placed on administrative leave back in October 2024 over a "personnel issue." It involved an allegation made by a city employee. Junger was put on leave by former Tacoma Police Chief Avery Moore, who resigned last month. Moore also became the subject of a workplace investigation, with the Tacoma city manager alleging he misused taxpayer funds. Junger joined the Tacoma Police Department in 2022, as did Moore. Junger worked as Tacoma's acting police chief before interim chief Patti Jackson was sworn in. What they're saying The full email to TPD personnel can be found below, sent on behalf of Chief Patti Jackson: "To all TPD personnel, "Today, Deputy Chief Paul Junger was officially separated from the Tacoma Police Department following the conclusion of an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) investigation. An external agency was brought in to conduct the investigation. The external investigation resulted in sustained findings. "We recognize that changes in leadership can raise questions and impact morale. We also understand that this news will land differently for everyone. As a leadership team, we're committed to acknowledging that range of emotions while continuing to build a culture grounded in professionalism, respect, and trust. "The Department remains fully operational, and our command staff is focused on ensuring a smooth transition. While changes like this can bring uncertainty, we are committed to maintaining stability and moving the agency forward—stronger and more unified. "If you're experiencing any personal challenges during this time, please remember that the City of Tacoma's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. "Thank you for your continued commitment to our department and to the community as we move through this transition together. "Respectfully,PJ" The Source Information in this story is from a leadership update email from the Tacoma Police Department and FOX 13 Seattle reporting. Richard Sherman's WA home robbed by armed men, deputies confirm Mystery over Seattle sky: Black ring leaves public guessing Woodland Park Zoo handler recovering after serious orangutan bite Police investigate after 100 shots fired in West Seattle Man stabbed to death in Marysville, WA To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
