Protest against corruption planned after mass Florence city council resignation
FLORENCE, Colo. (KRDO) -- Two former Florence City City Council members who just left their jobs in mass city council resignation have planned a protest against corruption for Saturday.
The council members tell 13 Investigates they didn't want to resign but they had no other choice, saying they needed to get the attention of authorities who can help them.
This protest comes among allegations of illegal wiretapping at city hall, misuse of taxpayer money, and possible mishandling of police evidence.
Mike Vendetti and Allen Knisley tell 13 Investigates they notified the interim City manager, Mayor, and Police Chief of their intent to exercise their free speech rights.
13 Investigates confirmed much of the current controversy surrounding the Florence Police Chief. Vendetti says the current Interim City Manager didn't initially request an investigation into missing taxpayer money as they were directed to do by the now-formal council.
"Chief Prickett or the interim city manager took upon themselves to just investigate one thing and not go and do the other. City council has no authority to remove the police chief. None. Because he works for the city manager. And we just felt so frustrated and so blocked by this," said Vendetti.
Knisley echoed his frustration.
"Florence deserves a police chief that can lead by example," Knisley told 13 Investigates.
Now, citizens are speaking out as well.
"The people who said I am not going to do it, well I am sorry. You're gonna do it. Because if you do things wrong you're going to pay," Ed Pellegrini, a Florence resident, told 13 Investigates.
"What do you think about the fact that a news agency had to come in to start looking into these issues for something to happen?"
"Well, it's shameful because this is a good ole boys system down here and that's what has happened here is the good ole boys have controlled this, and they're getting busted now," Fremont County resident Paul Bond said.
13 Investigates reached out to the Governor's Office for comment. A spokesperson said, "Colorado law gives the City of Florence the ability to continue to provide government services even without a full city council."
The Saturday protest will take place from 9 to 4 near City Hall on the corner of Dewey Street and Highway 115.
13 Investigates has asked the Interim City Manager Tom Piltingsrud and Florence Police Chief Shane Prickett for comment, they haven't responded.
