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Council to discuss possibility of independent probe into Waddell allegations

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The Fayetteville City Council on Monday is scheduled to discuss whether an independent investigation is warranted into allegations against the mayor and others made by Councilwoman Tisha Waddell when she resigned in November. 

The Fayetteville Audit Committee asked that the issue be brought before the City Council. 

The City Council work session is scheduled for 5 p.m. in the FAST Transit Center.

Waddell resigned in the midst of her second term on the City Council. In her resignation letter, she accused Mayor Mitch Colvin and others of a lack of transparency over Bernhard Capital Partners’ now-defunct bid to take over the city-owned Public Works Commission.

Waddell also alleged that some council members may have improperly discussed a special use permit for a halfway house on Cain Road and questioned whether building permits were handled properly for a downtown property the mayor has an interest in.

Colvin has called the allegations baseless.

The Audit Committee in November voted to ask the council for an investigation. But committee Chairman Johnny Dawkins withdrew the request at a Dec. 6 council meeting, saying it was not within the committee’s purview.

Councilwoman Yvonne Kinston raised the issue of an investigation again last month during a meeting of the Audit Committee. She and other committee members disagreed with Dawkins’ position that such a request was outside the committee’s purview. She asked that it be brought before the council Monday.

“It’s not personal,” Kinston has said. “I want a resolution. I’m always looking for a resolution and closure.”

CityView TODAY investigative reporter Greg Barnes looked into the allegations regarding Bernhard Capital Partners’ efforts to take over the PWC and found no signs of corruption. His reporting did find a lack of transparency by people trying to broker a deal with the equity firm.

If a majority of the City Council on Monday votes to move forward with an investigation, the matter would move to the council for a final vote on Feb. 14.

Michael Futch covers Fayetteville and education for CityView TODAY. He can be reached at mfutch@cityviewnc.com. Have a news tip? Email news@CityViewTODAY.com.

Fayetteville, City Council, Tisha Waddell, Mitch Colvin, Bernhard Capital Partners, Audit Committee, allegations

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