Lubbock Councilman Victor Hernandez Discusses Possible Circumstances Regarding Complaints Made Against Him by Staff

A Lubbock City Councilman has further elaborated on complaints made against him by some City employees.

The Lubbock City Council will hold a special meeting on Thursday, April 4^th at 3 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall regarding complaints made against District 1 Lubbock City Councilman Victor Hernandez.

Three complaints were originally filed against Hernandez, including one from City Manager Lee Ann Dumbauld, in which she voiced concerns that she believes that he is obsessed with her personal life and is watching her home.

Another complaint was filed by Executive Director of Finance Pamela Moon, and another was filed by Executive Director of Budget Cheryl Brock, which she withdrew.

Brock stated in her complaint withdrawal that “The conflict that is ongoing between City Management and certain members of the City Council has affected staff, especially me, to the point that we can barely function.”

She continued, saying “I was drawn into this conflict because I was given a directive to file the complaint against Victor Hernandez by my supervisor. I was told that it was the only way she could protect me which I interpreted as I could lose my job if I didn’t.”

Just minutes before midnight on Thursday night, Hernandez posted several items to his Facebook page regarding the allegations and other rumors involving the City Council and City staff.

On his Facebook page, Hernandez posted several items regarding the allegations and other rumors involving the City Council and City staff.

Sequence of events is critical.
Prior to February 14, 2013 I was told (on two separate occasions by two different individuals) that: 1) the City Manager was dating Karen Gibson's brother; and 2) that Karen Gibson was living in the home of the City Manager. The concern expressed centered around Karen Gibson's neutrality as a result of the city council discussing potential "directives" to be given to the city manager. I approached the city attorney and relayed the concerns expressed to me.
On February 14, 2013 the city manager sent an e-mail to the Police Chief entitled, "stalking" which states, "It has been reported to me that Mr. Hernandez is making inquiries about friends who come to my home on 89th street. For him to be aware of anything that goes on at my house, I believe he must be stalking me and has become obsessed with my personal life. There is a history of his interest in my personal life and I believe it must now be escalating. I want to be sure that you are aware of this situation."
The above e-mail to the Police Chief and a subsequent e-mail the city manager sent to Chief Ellis dated March 22, 2013 were unknown to me until today, March 28, 2013.

Hernandez then posted an email which he had sent to City Attorney Sam Medina on March 7^th, 2013.

"Sam,
I had previously mentioned to you two items which were brought to my attention concerning issues involving Mayor Pro Tem Gibson.
First, I had relayed to you that it had been brought to my attention that City Manager Dumbauld was "dating" the Mayor Pro Tem's brother.
Second, I relayed to you that it had been brought to my attention that the Mayor Pro Tem was no longer living with her husband but rather was living with the city manager, at least for a number of days.
Furthermore, I stressed to you that although I do not care who the city manager is dating or who the Mayor Pro Tem is living with, I thought it incumbent to advise you inasmuch as the Council was in the middle of formulating "directions" [directives] to the "Big Three", which I understood to be part of an evaluation process and therefore, Ms. Gibson's impartiality could be in question.
Now, it has come to my attention, and I do not know if it is true or not, that Ms. Gibson's current residence is located outside of her District. If true, then the question of whether she has forfeited her office becomes an issue.
As with the other two issues which I have discussed with you previously, I am leaving this matter to your discretion as to possible action, including but not limited to, advising your clients of these matters."

Hernandez finished his post, saying:

Finally, on March 22, 2013 the city manager sent a second e-mail to Police Chief Ellis entitled, "Stalking" which reads, "Chief: on February 14 I notified you that I thought Victor Hernandez was stalking me. I am attaching an email that Victor Hernandez sent to Sam Medina regarding this topic. I have this email as a result of an Open Records Request from KAMC. That ORR is attached also. I remain concerned that Victor Hernandez is watching my home, or someone at his request. Apparently, he may be watching the Mayor Pro Tem also. I would like to discuss this with you."

KFYO News had received reports of the same rumor that District 5 Councilwoman Karen Gibson had been living out of her district, and KFYO’s Cole Shooter asked her about the issue following the March 14th, 2013 Lubbock City Council meeting. Audio of her response is below.