Senior Safety Adviser Phillip McHugh has resigned from his position in Cleveland’s public safety sector following scrutiny over his past actions and a contentious hiring process.

McHugh’s Resignation

McHugh tendered his resignation in a letter obtained by the I-Team from his attorney. In the letter, McHugh cited a politically motivated character assassination campaign against him by certain members of the City Council and media as a factor influencing his decision. He vehemently denied accusations of deception regarding an investigation from nearly a decade ago.

Mayor Bibb’s Response

Mayor Justin Bibb issued a statement acknowledging the community’s concerns over McHugh’s hiring, stating his commitment to creating equitable change in Cleveland. He emphasized the importance of effective leadership in addressing complex issues like public safety. However, he acknowledged the distraction caused by McHugh’s past and expressed his commitment to delivering solutions for the city.

Hiring Controversy

McHugh’s hiring sparked controversy due to his previous connection to Mayor Bibb and his involvement in a civil rights lawsuit during his tenure as a detective in Washington D.C. The I-Team revealed that McHugh helped write the job description for his position in Cleveland, raising further questions about the hiring process.

Calls for Resignation

Several city council members, including Richard Starr and Kevin Conwell, publicly called for McHugh’s resignation, citing concerns over his suitability for the role. They criticized the city’s background check process and argued that McHugh’s past should have been thoroughly vetted before his hiring.

McHugh’s Response

McHugh defended his hiring, stating that he was one of 16 applicants for the position and emphasizing the need for someone with his skill set to assist the former safety director. He claimed that he did not disclose the civil lawsuit during his interview because he was not asked about it, and it had been settled years prior. He also highlighted his lack of internal discipline and subsequent promotion in Washington D.C.

Conclusion: Addressing Community Concerns

The resignation of Phillip McHugh underscores the importance of thorough vetting processes in hiring public officials. Mayor Bibb’s commitment to addressing community concerns and delivering solutions for Cleveland’s residents remains steadfast amid this controversy.

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