With
reference to an article in today’s, Información newspaper, where an ex female
member of staff has accused me of sexual harassment towards her over a period
of 18 months.
First, let
me say that I vehemently deny these allegations.
It is my
understanding that prior to these allegations being put to the Guardia Civil,
she spoke with the Alcalde, Carlos Ramirez and stated that she intended to
report the matter to the Police, but stated that if I was persuaded to resign
from office, the complaint would go away and he would avoid being involved in a
Scandal. As I completely deny the allegations, I saw this as a form of
Blackmail. I informed the Alcalde that I was not going to resign.
I find it
strange that up until June of last year, she shared a house and her life with a
member of the Policia Nacional and for all that time she apparently said
absolutely nothing to him.
Secondly
while her brother and her son worked in the same office since day one and
neither of them were apparently informed and if they were, they never said
anything to me.
Thirdly: I
find it strange that when the time came to execute the government cuts, which
would have seen her brother and her son being released from their posts, this
allegation should come to the fore.
Fourthly:
In September of last year, I had serious thoughts about stepping back from the
number one position in favour of this woman, for the next election. I informed
her of my plans and suggested that she take a more active role in local fiestas
and organisations.
It was
about this time that she decided to organise a Dog Show on the
Urbanisation. She started to organise this event, without prior consultation
with me. She only mentioned this once the wheels had been put in motion. After
the conclusion of this event, she took three days off as she stated that she
was completely stressed out by the Dog Show. This made me rethink my prior
thoughts for the next election. I informed her that I would take the Party into
the next election in the Number 1 position. She seemed taken aback and annoyed
by this news.
Over the
last few years, on numerous occasions, when she has overstepped her authority
and spoke out against fellow Councillors, Council officials and Lawyers. I had
to censure her on many of these occasions. I only raised my voice but never
shouted at her or spoke to her with contempt. Despite these reprimands and the
reminder that she was there to explain the nuances of the Spanish language to
me, at that time or later, she continued to express her opinions and cause unnecessary
annoyance in Council meetings. Because she had on many occasions done excellent
work, I would always allow her a great deal of leeway. However, I was by this
time having doubts about her abilities and seriously losing confidence in her.
Returning
to the allegations. She reports that she submitted her complaint to the Guardia
Civil in Guardamar on the 29th of January. A few days later Samantha
Hull, my asesora, was invited to make a declaration to the investigating
officer , although she has neither heard nor seen any form of sexual harassment
towards this woman. She was informed that I would be contacted later that day
to give a declaration to the Guardia Civil. Three weeks have passed by since
then and to date I have never been interviewed. I have been informed through
another Police source that the papers have been sent to the courts. Should this
case go ahead, I will answer fully in front of the judge, with proper legal
representation and an official interpreter.
I am currently seeking legal advice for the
purposes of raising a Denuncia against this person and any other person who
attempts to defame my name or character.
