Mayor issues statement in response to former manager’s allegations
Mayor John Gunter has issued a statement in the wake of allegations made by former city manager Rob Hernandez:
Re: Defamatory allegations made by Former City Manager Roberto Hernandez
Recently, former City Manager Roberto Hernandez released a demand letter making very serious allegations against several Cape Coral City Councilmembers.
The accusations against me are categorically false, and apparently, his statements are retaliatory due to the Cape Coral City Council’s decision on February 1, 2023, not to renew his contract. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that all accusations made by Mr. Hernandez are only against the council members who voted in favor of not renewing his contract.
From February 1, 2023, to February 15, 2023, Mr. Hernandez’s conduct was sometimes less than professional, and his actions, statements, or demeanor made some employees uncomfortable. On February 15, 2023, City Council voted to exercise a clause in his current contract to terminate his employment without cause, effective immediately.
I have asked our City Attorney to secure outside legal Counsel to investigate all allegations against any City Councilmember(s) and the conduct of Mr. Hernandez. In my opinion, the outcome of this investigation will determine that this is clearly a disgruntled employee, making false accusations to benefit monetarily due to Council’s decision on his employment. I would like to also apologize to the employees he mentioned in his false allegations because they didn’t deserve to be put in the position, they find themselves in today.
I look forward to the opportunity for the truth to be presented with accurate information so we can move forward for the betterment of our city. I am confident the investigation will reveal that the allegations against me will be deemed “unfounded.”
I have served our community professionally for the last five years and will continue to do so while serving the residents of our community.
Unfortunately, this will likely become an issue to be addressed through litigation. By the advice of our City Attorney, I cannot make any further comments now, or at any time in the future until this litigation process has been completed.
Respectfully,
John Gunter,
Mayor, City of Cape Coral
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