By Joe Zarnoch
Dear Prescott Residents:
Are you aware that the Prescott City Attorney, Jon Paladini, was involved in an alleged domestic violence incident last year, in August 2020 involving a former city employee, former Deputy City Clerk Cindy Pemberton? Mr. Paladini was never placed on administrative leave pending a thorough investigation of the matter.
Now, almost a year later with Mr. Paladini submitting his resignation effective July 31st, the City of Prescott is considering a new contract with Paladini through his new law firm, Pierce Coleman, who specializes in municipal employment law. In the past, this law firm’s involvement with the City of Prescott included a police personnel matter. Absent a complete and thorough review of the August 2020 incident, it is unfathomable that someone in the Prescott City Attorney’s role could continue working for the city via a contract when their work includes dealing with employee personnel issues related to on- and off-the-job behavior.
Please read the attached police report and listen to the 911 call tape:
Although charges were never filed against Mr. Paladini, if you are seriously concerned and disturbed about the egregious circumstances of the alleged domestic violence incident, please contact the Mayor and city council members demanding one of the following:
- Due to Mr. Paladini’s alleged domestic violence incident, demand that the City conduct a complete and thorough review of the appropriateness of contracting future work with Mr. Paladini, Pierce Coleman, or any law firm Mr. Paladini is associated with where he may be assigned City of Prescott work. Please also demand that the discussion of any potential contract be done in public with the opportunity for the public to comment prior to a vote by the city council; or
- Due to Mr. Paladini’s alleged domestic violence incident, demand that the City reject any future employment or contractual employment with Mr. Paladini, Pierce Coleman, or any law firm Mr. Paladini is associated with where he may be assigned City of Prescott work.
Please submit your comments/demands to the City before July 27 when the Paladini contract matter could be on the city council’s agenda. To submit please go to the City’s website at https://www.prescott-az.gov/contact/city-staff/?cid=2417 where your one email will be forwarded to the Mayor and all city council members. Please request that your email also be forwarded to the City Manager, Michael Lamar, or copy and paste your email and send it directly to him at michael.lamar@prescott-az.gov.
You can also contact The Daily Courier expressing your demands. You can also urge them to run a story, for the first time, on Mr. Paladini’s alleged domestic violence incident and you can also inquire why the incident involving a City attorney wasn’t covered by our local paper to date. You can send your email to The Daily Courier editors at editors@prescottaz.com.
Joe Zarnoch, as a Prescott resident, has been involved with several groups concerned about the environment, conservation, and that our local governmental entities implement good governance.