RESOLUTION NO. RS2011-1780

A resolution calling for the resignation of Davidson County Clerk John Arriola.

WHEREAS, Davidson County Clerk John Arriola has been the subject of a series of NewsChannel5 investigative reports in recent weeks; and

WHEREAS, these investigative reports provided evidence that John Arriola charged and pocketed $40 cash from couples for performing marriage ceremonies over a period of several years, awarded a public relations contract without using a competitive bidding process, and made questionable overtime payments to his employees on the same day; and

WHEREAS, the NewsChannel5 reports also revealed that Mr. Arriola has his campaign treasurer on the Metro payroll for twenty hours per week, entitling the employee to participate in the Metropolitan Government’s benefit system, even though there is no documentation regarding the number of hours actually worked and the services performed; and

WHEREAS, District Attorney Torry Johnson has asked the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to open a criminal investigation of Mr. Arriola’s office regarding the practices raised in the news reports; and

WHEREAS, Tennessee Code Annotated § 8-47-101, et seq., provides a mechanism for the removal of elected officials who knowingly or willfully commit official misconduct; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the citizens and taxpayers of Nashville and Davidson County that John Arriola resign immediately to prevent valuable state and local resources from being expended investigating and auditing Mr. Arriola and his office.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as calling for the resignation of Davidson County Clerk John Arriola.

Section 2. That the Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Davidson County Clerk John Arriola.

Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Robert Duvall