No Word on Fate of City Administrator; Councilors Restricted to Policy

Candice Miller

Embattled City Administrator Candice Miller remains on suspension until early May when she is to return to office at City Hall.  The revelations of extravagance under her watch makes for a less than favorable working relationship with Mayor Wagner, particularly in light of Miller’s actions during the transition period, prior to the swearing in of the new city council.  So, does the hasty preparation of payment to Gilly Franklin on March eighth have any bearing on her suspension?  That’s what we asked the mayor during today’s press conference.

Isani Cayetano

“In light of the findings of this particular audit, what bearing, if any, does the line item, if I may, which refers to the payment being made to Mr. Franklin on the eighth of March?  It would seem apparent that this, for some reason, is a departure or dereliction of one’s fiduciary duty.  What bearing, if any, would this have on the city administrator, on the post that she has, and the fact that she is currently on suspension?”

Bernard Wagner

Bernard Wagner, Belize City Mayor

“Again, that matter with the city administrator is still under review and we don’t want to prejudice any situation that might arise in respect to that.  But we want to stay focused on the findings without prejudicing our eventual meeting with the administrator.”

Isani Cayetano

“This is in light of the fact that while you’ve taken a position not to cover the previous six thousand dollar bill that was left by the mayor’s father, it would seem that the dollar amount in question completely eclipses that six thousand dollars.  So, again, what measures can be taken in this case, aside from you having put a stop to that particular payment, what measures can you put in place to either stem this financial hemorrhaging or to address the matter going forward?”

Bernard Wagner

“Essentially we have to have our managers manage the council.  We at the council level deal with policy; we have managers in place who are there to deliver prudent management, to deliver on spending to ensure that budgets are achieved.  That is their job.  We at the council are for policy making.”