SHARON HEIDER, JIM SMETONA, AERYN DONNELLY and DENISE OBRERO, former city of SC employees
Why is council—except Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson—protecting Erik Sund instead of the taxpayers’ money?
What happened to civility and professionalism? Fencing beach parking, sand in the skate park—one bad decision after another. Yet, why so atypically protect a public employee?
Recently Sund, BBK (city attorney) and three councilmembers tried to unseat the acting mayor. What’s causing such divisiveness?
For background:
- Mayor Pro Tem is a former employee who is exposing the mismanagement at city hall.
- Sund and BBK refuse to provide information requested (insubordination), forcing Mayor Pro Tem to obtain facts through public information act requests.
- Sund and BBK are some of the highest-paid in the county, yet are costing the taxpayers more money in settlements and lawsuits.
- They have already settled complaints costing about $500,000, not including the city’s investigation and attorney’s fees. At least two more lawsuits alleging harassment, discrimination, and retaliation are in process—both naming Sund.
- The previous city council was aware of these issues as far back as 2016, and they did nothing. Hamm, Ward and James believe Sund is doing a great job and protect him vehemently. Why?
We are named as witnesses to the investigations. Judging by the damages from the last settlements, these next two could cost taxpayers millions. Some of us are in the unfortunate position of being taxpayers who will foot the bill when we confirm the allegations.
There are many others who will attest to labor laws broken, mismanagement, and hostile workplace. The signatories to this letter are just a few of us (due to SC Times size limitations) who validate Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson’s statements of hostile workplace environment and the financial risk it poses directly related to Sund.
So why are councilmembers keeping him? Stop being drinking buddies with Erik, stop the divisive politics, stop costing us money. Get rid of the bad management!
