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In the News
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SEAT PLEASANT MAYOR ACCUSED OF MISAPPROPRIATING FUNDS
Seat Pleasant Mayor accused of misappropriating funds
SEAT PLEASANT FURLOUGHS OR CUTS HOURS FOR NEARLY A FOURTH OF ITS STAFF
Seat Pleasant furloughs or cuts hours for nearly a fourth of its staff
GIGI RILEY; "WHEN I'M MAYOR I WILL..."
Gigi Riley; "When I'm Mayor I will..."
CITY COUNCIL SUSPENDS MAYOR'S POWERS FOR ALLEGED SEXUAL HARASSMENT
City Council suspends Mayor's powers for alleged sexual harassment
MAYOR, COUNCIL PRESIDENT AND COUNCIL MEMBERS VIOLATE STATE ELECTION LAWS
Mayor, Council President and Council members violate State election laws
Seat Pleasant Mayor accused of misappropriating funds
Seat Pleasant furloughs or cuts hours for nearly a fourth of its staff
Gigi Riley; "When I'm Mayor I will..."
City Council suspends Mayor's powers for alleged sexual harassment
Mayor, Council President and Council members violate State election laws
Seat Pleasant Mayor accused of misappropriating funds
Seat Pleasant Mayor Eugene Grant, who is already under investigation for alleged
sexual misconduct, is preparing for another run in September after 16 years in
office.
“There is nobody better than me, saving Jesus Christ, and he's not on the
ballot,” Grant said.
An 11-page report questioning how he's spent taxpayer dollars is going to
elected officials in Prince George's County and the state.
“The more we looked at one thing, other things were popping up,” said Rev. John
Walker, an attorney.
Walker leads a group of citizens hosting weekly Zoom meetings discussing the
report. For three years they've been compiling financial documents and
investigating the mayor.
“I believe he needs to be checked,” Walker said.
The group questions contracts awarded without bids, trips around the country and
internationally, and the high turnover of city employees. A few weeks ago, more
than a dozen workers were furloughed without warning.
Walker said the financial outlook is not good.
“The city is broke, and it’s on the verge of insolvency,” he said.
The questions follow the mayor's decision to step aside as the council
investigates accusations that he sexually harassed and fired a former employee.
“Since that happened, city government has not really been available,” Walker
said. “Made several calls, get no answers. As a matter of fact, it wasn’t until
Friday past that I learned where city hall is located.”
City hall is under construction. Grant said he stopped renting the temporary
trailers that housed city hall and has moved his office outside city limits to
Landover.
He said he is under attack by outsiders who want to develop Seat Pleasant and
are using the election.
He's facing one challenger, another former city employee.
“I will not sit idly by and allow an attempt to take over our city and gentrify
our city,” he said.
He said he expects to win again. While he would not comment on the sexual
misconduct allegations, he said he's done nothing wrong.
“They are voting for a mayor not a messiah,” he said. “I am a person who has
faults and flaws like anybody else, but one thing that will not be questioned is
my commitment to the people of Seat Pleasant.”
A spokesperson with the Prince George’s County executive’s office said they
received similar complaints about Seat Pleasant's finances in the spring and the
county's attorney's sent that to the Maryland state attorney's office for formal
review.
Grant said most of his travel promoting Seat Pleasant as a smart city was
reimbursed.
His opponent in the upcoming election claims she was fired from the city's
government after announcing her run for mayor. Grant denies her claim.
By Tracee Wilkins - NBC4 Washington DCSun, Aug 16, 2020
Seat Pleasant furloughs or cuts hours for nearly a fourth of its staff
The city of Seat Pleasant under the administration of Mayor Eugene Grant has
furloughed almost 25% of it's staff. The furlough affects 12 employees that have
been laid off and 4 that have had full time hours cut. Acting chief operating
officer Police Chief Devan Martin says the layoffs are due to revenue shortfalls
caused by the pandemic.
In a letter from the staff to the City Council they chastise the administration
for allowing the City's financial condition to deteriorate and the depletion of
reserves required by State law. The staff reveals that the city redirected funds
for the Mayor's signature smart city projects that yielded neutral results at
best. They cite an ongoing problem of of fiscal mismanagement under Grant's
leadership revealing that the City had to borrow money to fund payroll last
summer. Borrowing money for payroll has never happened in the history of Seat
Pleasant.
Exorbitant spending is rampant in Grant's administration not only for his pet
projects but included the purchase of hundreds of thousands of dollars in
hi-tech equipment and a drone system complete with a planned command center. Two
years ago Grant’s administration spent over $130,000. on the City's State of
City address. Last year's address took place in the Council's chambers with no
budget and less than ten public attendees.
Another contributing factor is the pending potential litigation from members of
the business community challenging the personal property tax rate. Planet
Fitness has filed legal action against the City for their attempt to collect
$230,000 in taxes. While there is an attempt for the City to collect even while
the case is pending many business owners refuse to pay pending the outcome of
the case. Usually the City would withhold the renewal of business licenses until
the tax is paid. Currently all licenses are extended by the Maryland State of
Emergency.
The personal property tax receivable amounts to over a $ $439,721. as of June
25. The bulk of that balance will never be collected as the City's attorney has
agreed that the tax is illegal. The City has not followed the advice of their
attorney to rescind the tax. The case is headed to court.
The staff's letter also describes the hostile and abusive workplace in the City
under Grant.
Last week former employee JoVon Pender accused Grant of sexual harassment and
for terminating him for rejecting his sexual advances. Grant's powers were
stripped by the Council pending the investigation. Pamela L. Ashby, his
attorney, said in a statement that they “intend to pursue these claims through
the appropriate channels. . . . We believe there are other employees who have
been subjected to or have firsthand knowledge about this or similar misconduct".
Grant has been serving as Mayor for 4 terms and is running for a 5th term in
this September elections. Former employee Gigi Riley is running against him.
By Roger MarcTue, Aug 04, 2020
Gigi Riley; "When I'm Mayor I will..."
Gigi Riley, a former Seat Pleasant city employee is running for Mayor in the
city's upcoming election September 14, 2020. She addresses the citizens of Seat
Pleasant in the following open letter.
My Fellow Citizens,
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once stated “the most revolutionary thing that
anyone can do is to be an active and engaged citizen."
I am a dedicated wife, and mother of 3 boys, ages 20, 7, and 3. I come from a
musical background. I attended Duke Ellington School of the Arts, where I was
classically trained in music, dance, and theater, and was able to transfer those
talents to Potomac High School, where I was a member of the award winning gospel
choir. I have toured with national recording artists around the world. In 2004,
I also started a non-profit organization that provided wellness and grooming
services to seniors in need at local senior living communities and nursing
homes.
After years of experience working in government, both local and federal, I am
now taking it to politics. It’s my intense dedication, passion, and devotion
that fuels my fight for change. My love for people and the community was the
ultimate deciding factor to run for mayor of this great city, and be the FIRST
woman to do so!
As your next Mayor I promise to be an honest representative for the citizens of
Seat Pleasant. I will be transparent and I pledge to keep you informed and
educated on the issues affecting our beloved community. These crucial issues
include crime reduction/public safety, economic development, improving
educational opportunities for our children, protecting our seniors and improving
the overall quality of life for our residents.
What I propose to do for Seat Pleasant:
-I will strive to socially rebuild this community through arts and
entertainment. I pledge to bridge the generational gap by engaging with both the
seniors and youth through music, dance, acting, and other forms of artistic
expression.
- I pledge to work with our local, state and federal partners to secure
resources for the City of Seat Pleasant. We need trans-formative leadership that
we can count on to fight for resources in Annapolis, Upper Marlboro and
Washington D.C.
- I will assemble a professional administration with the best and the brightest
administrators and employees that will be accountable and transparent and good
stewards of public funds.
- I will fight to increase the commercial tax base here in the city by
attracting more businesses to invest in Seat Pleasant. This will be a tall order
but one that will reap numerous benefits for our residents by easing the tax
burden on homeowners (especially our seniors). The more businesses that we can
attract to invest in our city the more resources we will have to fund public
safety, education and other social programs that are desperately needed such as
re-entry, drug treatment, job training, etc. I will assemble a world class team
of experts that understand quality economic development and how to attract top
tiered businesses and developers.
- I will commit all of the city's resources to reducing violent crime and
ensuring that our citizens are safe. I will fight for more community oriented
policing and will seek additional grants from the US Department of Justice and
other sources to bring the necessary resources to bear for Seat Pleasant.
- I will improve the quality of services provided to our municipal residents. I
plan to do an audit as soon as I am elected to uncover the massive fraud, waste
and abuse that currently exists within our government and budget. By trimming
the excessive fat from the budget we will have a more efficient government that
is responsive to our citizens. Pot holes need to be filled, trash needs to be
picked up in a timely manner and public safety needs to respond quickly! I will
demand accountability and transparency from all agency heads in my
administration. As a former Seat Pleasant employee, I am familiar with the waste
and abuse in Seat Pleasant. This issue is of paramount importance to me.
- I will work closely with our seniors who have sacrificed to live here for many
years. I will protect them from unnecessary tax increases and ensure that they
receive all of the support and resources that they deserve. In short, I will be
their number one advocate to protect them from elder abuse and the numerous
scams targeting them by working closely with the State's Attorney Office and our
legislators in Annapolis.
Moving forward to create UNITY in the COMMUNITY!
Respectfully yours,
Gigi Riley
#Rileyforchange
By Brock ThomasSun, Aug 02, 2020
Seat Pleasant Mayor accused of misappropriating funds
Seat Pleasant Mayor Eugene Grant, who is already under investigation for alleged
sexual misconduct, is preparing for another run in September after 16 years in
office.
“There is nobody better than me, saving Jesus Christ, and he's not on the
ballot,” Grant said.
An 11-page report questioning how he's spent taxpayer dollars is going to
elected officials in Prince George's County and the state.
“The more we looked at one thing, other things were popping up,” said Rev. John
Walker, an attorney.
Walker leads a group of citizens hosting weekly Zoom meetings discussing the
report. For three years they've been compiling financial documents and
investigating the mayor.
“I believe he needs to be checked,” Walker said.
The group questions contracts awarded without bids, trips around the country and
internationally, and the high turnover of city employees. A few weeks ago, more
than a dozen workers were furloughed without warning.
Walker said the financial outlook is not good.
“The city is broke, and it’s on the verge of insolvency,” he said.
The questions follow the mayor's decision to step aside as the council
investigates accusations that he sexually harassed and fired a former employee.
“Since that happened, city government has not really been available,” Walker
said. “Made several calls, get no answers. As a matter of fact, it wasn’t until
Friday past that I learned where city hall is located.”
City hall is under construction. Grant said he stopped renting the temporary
trailers that housed city hall and has moved his office outside city limits to
Landover.
He said he is under attack by outsiders who want to develop Seat Pleasant and
are using the election.
He's facing one challenger, another former city employee.
“I will not sit idly by and allow an attempt to take over our city and gentrify
our city,” he said.
He said he expects to win again. While he would not comment on the sexual
misconduct allegations, he said he's done nothing wrong.
“They are voting for a mayor not a messiah,” he said. “I am a person who has
faults and flaws like anybody else, but one thing that will not be questioned is
my commitment to the people of Seat Pleasant.”
A spokesperson with the Prince George’s County executive’s office said they
received similar complaints about Seat Pleasant's finances in the spring and the
county's attorney's sent that to the Maryland state attorney's office for formal
review.
Grant said most of his travel promoting Seat Pleasant as a smart city was
reimbursed.
His opponent in the upcoming election claims she was fired from the city's
government after announcing her run for mayor. Grant denies her claim.
By Tracee Wilkins - NBC4 Washington DCSun, Aug 16, 2020
Mayor, Council President and Council members violate State election laws
Mayor Eugene Grant, Council President Reveral Yeargin and the City Council
violated Maryland State campaign laws by injecting themselves into a City
information booklet about trash service in Seat Pleasant, Md.
The booklet was produced after the City terminated the agreement with Bates
Trucking for trash collection and delegated that responsibility to Seat Pleasant
Public Works.
Entitled "Environmental Justice Department, Waste Management Division" it
contains information on what days trash pick ups for each ward, pick up times,
new trash and recycle bins and other related trash service information.
At the forefront of the booklet on page 2, 3, 4 and 5 is a campaign stunt at the
cost of City taxpayers that violates State law. On page 2 is a full page message
from Grant with his picture. On page 3 is a full page message from Yeargin with
his picture. On page 4 and 5 is a map of the city by ward with pictures and
captions for each council member.
Pictures of public officials are not included these type government information
handouts to prevent influence at election time. This booklet is designed for
residents to keep in their home long term for future referral. With an election
just under three months away it's possible that those officials will not be
serving any longer.
The booklet was designed, printed and hand distributed by City employees using
taxpayers funds and City resources which is against the law.
Maryland State law Local Government Article §1-303 provides that employees may
not be required to provide a political service.
Maryland State law Local Government Article §1-304 states that employees may not
engage in political activity while on the job during working hours.
Maryland State law Local Government Article §4-108.1 authorized the State's
Attorney office to prosecute voting offenses in municipal elections.
Grant has a history of disregarding law. His administration has several legal
challenges against that are making way through the courts. Planet Fitness has
taken action against the City for illegal taxes totaling $231,000. A local
business has challenged the legality of the security gate ordinance requiring
the removal of store front gates. In 2017 a group of property owners sued and
prevailed against the City on an illegal town levy increase of 800%.
By Brock ThomasFri, Jul 17, 2020
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City audit reveals misuse of funds
A recent financial audit of the City of Seat Pleasant revealed a disturbing
operational environment, serious misuse of funds and illegal borrowing. In a
scanting report accounting firm Lindsey Associates LLC, CPA chastises Mayor
Eugene Grant, City Council and City Administrator for operational deficiencies
that include misstatements of financial material resulting in a misstatement of
the City's financial condition. Travel Reimbursement Policy Violation The report
raises a serious violation of the City's travel reimbursement policy from
payments made to high level employees for travel expenses. Grant's
international travels included trips to Paris, London, China, Nigeria, Kenya and
Ghana. He traveled on invited personal speaking engagements to speak about his
smart city initiative being implemented in the City. It's unclear if he was paid
a fee. The report reminds Grant and his administration that the policy was
created to protect taxpayer money from abuse and advises to strictly adhere to
it. Debt Limit Violation The City is in violation of the debt limit policy
borrowing significantly more funds than allowed by law. The report strongly
advises the City to comply with the established policy. Any loans that were
made that exceeded the debt limit are in default. Banks and financial
institutions cannot lend to a government that does not have the authority to
borrow. Federal regulation and banking policies may require foreclosure on
those loans. A criminal probe should be launched to determine if the
application for those loans where truthful, including full disclosure of
contingent liabilities of other existing loans and the authority for the City to
lawfully borrow. Ripe for Receivership The City's adverse financial condition
is becoming clear notwithstanding the City's attempt to mask it. Departments
have been ordered to slash their budget and former employees have had to go to
the Labor Board to get their overtime back pay. There is also a shortage of
construction funds for the new City Hall presently under construction. The
current financial condition jeopardizes it's completion. In 1995 The District of
Columbia was similarly in financial woes as Seat Pleasant is today. Congress
then created a Financial Control Board to oversee DC's finances. When their
finances where sound the board was dissolved. The time has come for the Maryland
Attorney General and the General Assembly to bring the City of Seat Pleasant
into receivership. Click here to view and download the entire report
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MORE...
State of the City address cost exceed $130,000.
Seat Pleasant’s State of the City Address 2019 cost taxpayers more than
$130,000.The January 19, 2019 event was more like a concert complete with music,
lights, smoke and fireworks featuring Mayor Eugene Grant.Grant hosted the
evening who appeared numerous times in video presentations, repeated much of
last year's address relating to the Smart City initiative. He spoke about the
city's affordable housing program buying, renovating and selling houses. He also
read a letter from a perspective investor supporting a mixed-use development in
the city. He did not disclose it’s author or elaborate.A 5 person commentator
panel was streamed live. The highlight of the evening was hampered in a failed
attempt to demonstrate Pepper, the IBM robot as part of the $670,000 partnership
with IBM for the city's smart initiative. Grant introduced the robot only for it
to be pushed off stage by IBM personnel after keeling over requiring a 15-minute
reboot.During the reboot it was obvious Grant had to ad-lib. He delivered what
sounded like a fiery Sunday morning sermon about public servants serving
taxpayers and lashing out ambiguously at his opponents.The robot finally came on
stage with the help of the IBM personnel and responded to Grant’s questions
about the city. It wasn’t impressive. Voice recognition and artificial
intelligence it's nothing new and it's unclear what benefit the city’s residents
would get with an IBM robot.The Seat Police Department provided a full escort
for Grant arriving in a stretch limousine adding overtime costs and thinning out
county police resources having to cover while Seat Pleasant Police were out of
service for the event.Most municipalities have this type of venue in a town hall
setting where the biggest expense is coffee and donuts which it a lot less then
$130,000.
MORE...
City council approves massive personal property tax rate at $15. per $100.
CVS hit with $285,000 tax bill, Planet Fitness $122,000, Pepco $529,935 Seat
Pleasant city council under the leadership of Mayor Eugene Grant approved the
2019 budget containing the annual personal property tax rate at 15%, which is
the highest rate in the nation resulting in exorbitant tax bills for local
businesses in the city. CVS Pharmacy received a tax bill for $285,000 and Planet
Fitness, $122,000. These businesses have locations in other jurisdictions in
Maryland and pay a fraction of the same tax. The average personal property tax
rate in Maryland is 1%. Seat Pleasant is 1400% higher than the state average.
Glenn Norris regional manager of Planet Fitness which opened in 2018 appeared in
front of the city council before the law was passed and informed them that they
have two other locations in Prince George's County and expected a bill similar
to those between $9,000 and $13,000. He asked the council if there was anything
that can be done citing that this tax would deem the location unprofitable. He
explained that the company purchases new equipment every 6-8 years thus there is
no long term depreciation to provide relief. Subsequently Norris was directed to
meet with Robert Ashton former treasure for Seat Pleasant now an appointed
consultant for the city to discuss a cap on the tax. A meeting was scheduled
but en route Norris phoned to confirm the meeting and was told Ashton was out
of town. No meeting took place. "It's 10-15 times higher than any other city in
Prince George's County", Norris said "I'm not paying the tax until the rate is
changed." Planet Fitness now owes the city $247,000. for two years. CVS’ tax
bill is $285,000. The tax is calculated on the state’s assessed value including
commercial inventory. Which means the city is taxing prescription drugs
including medication for cancer and heart patients which is extremely
expensive. The same tax in Glenarden which is a neighboring municipality would
be $15,700. Linda Chenit in the tax department at CVS said the company is
reviewing the two locations in Seat Pleasant and will determine the next course
of action. They have a fiduciary responsibility to the public shareholders to
reconsider those locations in the city. The business community have voiced
serious and vocal opposition. Aside from the tax bills big companies receive
like to Auto Zone $67.650, Save A Lot $57,298 and Advanced Auto $63,600, small
businesses are hit hard. Super Beauty owner Paul Son said "it’s like giving them
my entire inventory every 6 1/2 years.” His tax bill exceeds $12,000. Steven
Franco owner of Discount Mart said "the tax is illegal, I’ve told them that and
it looks like we may be headed to court again.” Franco along with Si Qiang and
Chang Lin Chen owners of Jerry's Sub Shop previously sued the city on another
tax matter and prevailed. Personal property tax is on furniture, fixtures and
equipment. Almost all jurisdictions in Maryland exempt commercial inventory. The
highest in Prince Georges County is $2.25 but exempts commercial inventory. Seat
Pleasant’s rate is $15. and includes commercial inventory. Inconsistent with
investment incentives. Seat Pleasant is located in multiple zones to attract
investment yet the city’s economic development strategy contradicts Federal,
State and County incentives. They are, Federal Opportunity Zone, PG County
Enterprise Zone, Focus Area and Maryland Health Enterprise Zone offering
generous tax incentives, tax credits and grants to invest in the city. With the
current rate those incentives are meaningless. City administrator Jannell
Wallace said "those business should have done their due diligence before coming
into the city.” Perhaps they did but could not foretell run away government
strong arm under the administration of Mayor Eugene Grant. Most businesses have
been in Seat Pleasant longer than the rate was abusive. In 2001 under the
administration of Mayor Eugene Kennedy the rate was $4.00 per hundred, still
high in comparison. Once Grant took office, his administration doubled the rate
in 2005 to $8.00, then raised it in 2006 to $11.00 and again in 2018 to $15.00.
Safeway taxed out of existence The city's only full service grocery store closed
in 2016 because it was an underperforming location. The city stone walled our
request for Safeway’s tax bills. City clerk Dashaun Lanham said the city is only
required to keep three years records according to their charter. Based on
comparable stores our estimate is their tax bill exceeded $150,000. Safeway
opened in 1986. Growing frustration in the business community During the past
three terms under Grant’s administration there has been no major commercial
development in the city. The city owns prime vacant land that still sits
dormant. The site is prime for a multi use development including housing,
shopping, a full grocery store, sit down dining and an entertainment complex.
The Martin Luther King Jr Hwy Commercial Corridor Study, a comprehensive plan
for the site for commercial development was done in 2010. The city boasts itself
with the motto "A Smart City of Excellence”, many in the business community now
refer to the city as the city of extortion. Utility infrastructure Public
utility companies also pay Seat Pleasant 1400% more than the average of all the
other municipalities Maryland. Pepco was billed $529,935, Washington Gas
$246,517 and Verizon $29,605. These elevated taxes eventually end up being paid
by the consumer including the citizens of Seat Pleasant. This also raises
concerns of future development and investment in the city. Air conditioning and
heating equipment, telephone and communication equipment all will be taxed at
15% annually. These costs may be passed on to the developer in construction and
connection fees.
MORE...
Business owners prevail in tax lawsuit against city
Businesses owners who sued the city of Seat Pleasant for a town levy on 5
selected properties that increased their tax by 800% prevailed compelling the
city to withdraw the tax. The lawsuit filed last year by two business owners in
the city alleged that the city violated its own charter, and state and federal
laws, when they created an ordinance that sent the property taxes of certain
businesses soaring. Discount Mart a variety store had a tax increased from
$5,000 to over $50,000. Chang Lin Chen, who owns Jerry’s takeout and leases to a
liquor store adjacent had an increase from $3,842 to $31,180. Franco contacted
the city several times to avoid a lawsuit. "I begged them not to make me sue
them” he told WMAL radio. Shortly after the lawsuit was filed the city's
attorney Jason DeLoach told The Washington Post that Seat Pleasant is drafting a
proposed settlement agreement, but added, "We think we’re on solid legal footing
here.” Franco disputes DeLoach, "at no time did we ever discuss a settlement,
as a matter of fact DeLoach left a voice message on my attorney’s phone saying
‘call me to discuss, I don’t see how we can defend this’ and at the same time he
told the press that the city was on solid ground”, Franco said. There was a
discrimination component to the lawsuit. Franco is white and Jewish and Chen is
Chinese. Their lawsuit raised the question of whether the leaders of Seat
Pleasant discriminated against them on the basis of religion and race. An
African-American-owned barbershop in the cluster of properties taxed was not
increased. The tax has been reverted back to the previous rate and the lawsuit
was withdrawn.
MORE...
About Us
Xpose is a media outlet dedicated to reporting the affairs of the government of
Seat Pleasant, Md. currently under the leadership of Mayor Eugene Grant serving
his 5th term.We focus on affairs that the government prefers to keep private,
out of the public eye. We created this site in February 2018 after a lawsuit
was filed against the city on a tax matter by local business. Subsequently an
avalanche of information was submitted to us on various and sometimes rouge
affairs being conducted in the current administration. We quickly realized that
these events needed to be Xposed to the citizens, property owners, business and
visitors of Seat Pleasant. We will continue to search, investigate, report and
Xpose.
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Seat Pleasant furloughs or cuts hours for nearly a fourth of its staff
https://www.willyweather.com/md/prince-georges-county/seat-pleasant.html
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