EDITOR: Hedy Chang, as a council person, has a duty to preserve
and protect the assets of this city. The beneficiaries of the duty
are the citizens of Morgan Hill. When she knew that a private
investigator was about to tail City Manager Ed Tewes, she had a
duty to come forward with that information before the city launched
its own investigation to protect Tewes.
EDITOR:
Hedy Chang, as a council person, has a duty to preserve and protect the assets of this city. The beneficiaries of the duty are the citizens of Morgan Hill. When she knew that a private investigator was about to tail City Manager Ed Tewes, she had a duty to come forward with that information before the city launched its own investigation to protect Tewes.
Chang’s failure to come forward, in all probability, has cost the city and its taxpayers a sum likely to far exceed $50,000. Had she timely disclosed, the city could have confronted Mr. Tichinin. The initial and ongoing investigation expenses would likely have been avoided.
Chang claims she couldn’t disclose the information because of the attorney-client privilege. What a stretch. Chang has been deeply involved in closed session council meetings with the city attorney for several years discussing various other litigation matters. She can’t convincingly cry a lack of understanding of the attorney-client privilege. The privilege prevents the attorney, not the client, from disclosing. Even though she is not an attorney, her long-standing role as a council person in the closed meetings should have taught her that she cannot hide behind the attorney-client privilege. She can use the privilege only to silence her attorney, not herself. Her reason for not disclosing is not justified.
What recourse do we have? If Chang has breached the public’s trust, it makes sense for her to step down forthwith as a council person. You be the judge. I am also shocked the city has not yet publicly focused on her failure to timely inform other council members of the planned surveillance of Tewes. Are sanctions in order? You bet they are.
Hal Caplener, Morgan Hill
