April 27, 2018 • Local News
El Paso Inc: City attorney steps down suddenly amidst allegations of a possible conflict of interest
Sylvia Firth, who has been El Paso city attorney for seven years, has suddenly stepped down from her position.
On Thursday, multiple sources within City Hall told El Paso Inc. that Firth, whose annual salary is $243,880, submitted paperwork to begin the resignation process.
Later that day, the city confirmed she was stepping down, issuing a press release that Firth was "leaving her position."
"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as city attorney for my hometown," Firth said in a statement. "I am very proud of the work my legal team has provided over the years. The city’s legal department has many talented, dedicated and well-trained municipal lawyers and their good work will continue, as I move on to other opportunities."
Sources at the city say she was asked to resign or go through an ethics review for not disclosing possible conflicts of interest involving her husband, attorney Victor Firth.
City Rep. Cassandra Hernandez Brown said that Firth had not officially notified the council of her resignation.
“I’ve not received any formal announcement from the mayor, attorney’s office or city manager,” she said. “She should be able to notify us if there is a conflict of interest.”
Before last week’s City Council meeting, city economic development department staff approached Firth about a project that would renovate the El Paso Import Company building on Montana. They asked if there could be a conflict of interest if the city moved forward with approved property tax rebates and waivers of construction and permit fees.
Sources familiar with the deal said Sylvia Firth did not disclose to City Council that her husband was involved with the Montana project. The city was prepared to offer almost $29,000 in tax incentives to Victor Firth's Brixwood, LLC., according to public city documents.
Neither could be reached for comment.
Since the city attorney did not reveal the possible conflict of interest to the council, it was seen as a step backward amid talks of promoting more transparency in city government, a source who knows of the matter said.
Firth’s sudden exit also comes after a recent job evaluation. A source at the city familiar with the review, said her evaluation reflected concerns over her handling of several issues, including the acquisition of a building owned by Billy Abraham’s on West Overland.
The city wants to buy the property to make way for the proposed $180 million Multipurpose Performing Art and Entertainment Center, better known as the arena.
Firth was among the top paid employees at the city. Second to Tommy Gonzalez the city manager.
Source: http://www.elpasoinc.com/news/local_news/city-attorney-steps-down-suddenly-amidst-allegations-of-a-possible/article_075d4484-49a4-11e8-9c14-2b33d37bfec8.html
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