Pueblo Manager Plans To Fight Nepotism Charge

Pueblo City Manager Jerry Pacheco plans to fight a district judge?s ruling that he was guilty of nepotism and favoritism.

?It was a very one -sided decision and we?re confident we?ll win an appeal,? Pacheco said during Monday?s city council work session.

Pacheo added that he isn?t involved in the ?front line? hiring of employee.

He was criticized by the judge for a 2010 hiring of a part-time employee who is married to Pacheco’s assistant, Tracy Sample.

The judge ruled last Wednesday that James Matuzak be appointed as the city’s specialist of traffic signs and markings replacing Darrek Sample, who is married to Pacheco’s administrative assistant.

The case was brought up through the city?s civil service procedures.

Pacheco criticized the decision and said the civil service didn?t give both sides of the story, despite the exhaustive record provided.

The judge said Pacheo was guilty of ?lowering and tailoring job qualifications,? in a 30-page report.

Matuzak and Sample were the only two to apply for the job.

The city must file an appeal within 30 days of the ruling.