The 12th District Republican Party said Mayor Vi Lyles is “hiding behind flimsy excuses” to avoid disclosing details of a reported settlement with Johnny Jenings.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Republican Party for North Carolina’s 12th Congressional District is calling on Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles to resign in the wake of an alleged settlement with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings that sent shockwaves through the city’s government.
“Taxpayers have a right to know how their money is spent, especially when it involves high-ranking officials and unclear circumstances,” Abdul Ali, the Chairman of the 12th District Republican Party, said. “Mayor Lyles’ administration is hiding behind flimsy excuses to avoid accountability, eroding trust in local government. Her failure to uphold transparency laws is a dereliction of duty and warrants her resignation.”
RELATED: Charlotte FOP advances no-confidence vote against Police Chief Jennings
Ali ran against Democrat Rep. Alma Adams in last November’s election. Adams has represented the 12th District, which includes much of Mecklenburg County and Charlotte, since 2014.
The 12th District GOP’s statement says the city’s refusal to disclose details of a taxpayer-funded settlement is a “deliberate lack of transparency” that violates the public’s trust in elected officials. The city of Charlotte has yet to confirm the settlement or any details, citing employee privacy laws.
Reports of the city’s alleged settlement with Jennings first surfaced earlier this month following a closed-door meeting over former City Council member Tariq Bokhari’s public and private war against the chief. At a news conference addressing allegations of corruption, Lyles said Bokhari’s intent was to damage the chief’s reputation and end his career.
Ali’s statement urged Lyles to step down immediately and demanded the full release of the settlement to “restore integrity” to City Hall.
WCNC Charlotte consulted attorney Gary Mauney about the legality of such a settlement and whether it’s allowed without a lawsuit being filed. Mauney confirmed Charlotte City Council is within its right to settle without being sued, saying it’s a common way to resolve legal matters.
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