On Friday morning, popular Tucson radio show host Jon Justice on 104.1The Truth released a video of the arrest of Tucson City Councilman Paul Cunningham’s Chief of staff, Katie Bolger. In the video, Bolger is belligerent and drunk while snarling at a Tucson Police Department officer.
Now the Tucson Police Officers Association president Bill Bonano is demanding an apology and resignation from Bolger.
Bolger who admits to being treated “decent” by the police in the video asks him for a ride home saying, You know what the problem is? There’s a lot of &%$#@$# political problems here.” To which the officer responds, “I know there is.” Bolger then seems to threaten the officer saying, “this is not really good for you that I am handcuffed.”
The unidentified officer calmly responds to the snarling City official, “well you are staying there in handcuffs until you are cooperative.”
According to TPD spokesperson, Chris Widmer, “officers on the scene advised Bolger that she was going to be cited and released and they offered her a ride home.” Instead Bolger became physically aggressive to a City staffer who was called by police to assist Bolger in getting home. She refused to sign the citation and was taken into custody.
Cunningham, who is in recovery himself, apologized for Bolger’s actions, but Bolger has not apologized nor has she resigned.
From TPOA President Bill Bonanno:
Despite all the media attention that has been brought forward about this incident, Katie Bolger, Chief of Staff for Councilman Paul Cunningham, sits at home not remorseful about her actions one bit.
I say that based on the fact that today marks the 13th day since this incident occurred. Katie up to this point, has failed to make a statement or apology of any type to the officers that she insulted that evening, the police department, the citizens of this community or the Ward 2 office that she works for.
It is obvious that Katie has a problem and I sincerely hope that she gets the help that she so desperately needs.
Unfortunately though, based on Katie’s actions and failure to own up to responsibility, I find it impossible for her to remain in the current position as Chief of Staff for Councilman Cunningham. I realize that Councilman Cunningham would like to deal with this internally and can sympathize with his reasoning for not wanting to fire Katie. However, if Katie has Councilman Cunningham’s best interest at heart, she will recognize what she needs to do and resign her position.
Please like and share this if you agree that Katie Bolger should resign her position.
After the incident became public, Cunningham said he would handle the situation internally and take appropriate steps.
Only after the TPOA posted the statement on their Facebook page did Bolger make a public apology. It reads:
CM Cunningham,
As you know, I was arrested on Friday March 22 for jaywalking. On Sunday morning, the 24th, I called Chief Villasenor to offer my apologies for my unprofessional conduct towards his officers. I relayed to the Chief that I have the utmost respect for him, not just in his official capacity, but also on an individual level. I have enjoyed a good working relationship with him in the past and hope the poor judgement will not damage that moving forward.
He thanked me for the call and said he would relay the statement to his officers.
I did not wish to make my statement to the Chief public after it hit the press because, I felt that it would seem insincere after the fact.
I have been instructed not to talk to the press and that you are dealing with my conduct internally.
If you feel that if it is in the best interest of your office, please forward this e-mail to the appropriate parties.
Thank you,
Katie Bolger
Chief of Staff, Ward 2
Councilman Paul Cunningham
Cunningham released a newsletter on April 5 as well. In it he briefly mentioned the issue in closing. It reads:
Finally, a personal note: you may have read about an issue regarding one of my staffers. I know how “handling things internally” sounds, but I don’t wish to make how I handle personnel issues within my office a public matter. She’s still a city employee (as well as a friend) and deserves privacy. That’s all I will say about her status in my office.
Clearly Cunningham’s office is struggling with the drama of the past two weeks. The April 5, newsletter closes with a reminder about the next City Council meeting. It reads:
The next Mayor and Council meeting will be on March 27. Regular Session starts at 5:30 pm following an afternoon study session. There is always a short call to the audience before the business portion of the meeting. Council chambers are located downtown at 255 W Alameda. The agendas for the meetings are posted online at http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/clerks/mcdocs.
On his popular afternoon talk show on 104.1 The Truth, James T. Harris heard from listeners who said they intend to show up at the April 9 City Council meeting with packages of Depends for Councilman Steve Kozachik who was recently seen urinating in public.