Embattled Mayor Cy Sun of Pacific has an extra week to replace employees he fired or who resigned under his tenure. If he doesn’t, a court hearing will decide whether he should be legally required to do so.
City attorney Kenyon Luce filed a petition for a writ of mandate this month, giving Sun until Sept. 17 to fill nine positions that Luce says are critical for the city to function, such as that of city clerk.
Since, Sun’s attorney and Luce have agreed to extend the deadline until next Tuesday, because Sun has been out of the city and needs time for hiring, Luce said. If Sun doesn’t comply before then, a hearing at 9 a.m. Tuesday in Pierce County Superior Court will decide whether he’s required to make the hires.
“It has to be posted, advertised, and that takes time,” he said.
The only position filled since the petition was filed is that of the police chief, Luce said, though it wasn’t Sun’s doing.
The head of Pacific’s police force was reinstated by the city’s civil service board last week, overturning his termination by Sun.
Sun did not return a call from The News Tribune on Tuesday night, but he addressed the writ of mandate in a blog he started Sept. 9.
“When that law is enforced, I’m NOT the Mayor you voted into office,” he wrote. “I’ve become a puppet.”
Sun has faced various challenges since he was elected by 64 votes in December through a write-in campaign.
He has been arrested trying to enter the clerk’s office and accused by city employees of trying to destroy public records.
Residents have launched a recall campaign, and Pacific’s insurance provider said it will stop coverage at the end of the year.
Pacific has about 20 employees and lies east of Interstate 5 on the King-Pierce County line.
alexis.krell@thenewstribune.com
253-597-8268
blog.thenewstribune.com/crime
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