CAC = Private Conversations and Accountability
City of Reno Government's - Community Assistant Center (CAC)
In the realm of communication and ethics within professional settings, the concept of a lie holds significant weight. According to Google, a lie is characterized as the deliberate act of uttering a falsehood with the aim of deceiving another individual. It is crucial to note that lies are not always orchestrated with malicious intent but can emerge in various contexts within organizational frameworks.
In a recent episode unfolding within the dynamics of administrative management, Washoe County Manager Eric Brown found himself entangled in a web of scrutiny. The pivotal question arose regarding Brown's potential deployment of his direct reports to mislead Washoe County Commissioner Mike Clark, District 2, on matters concerning the Community Assistant Center (CAC) building.
The community's concerns, particularly raised by activists, homeless advocates, and residents, revolved around the feasibility of utilizing the CAC building to cater to the needs of women and children facing imminent homelessness. The sequence of events unfolded as Commissioner Clark sought clarity on this issue, eventually leading to a chain of revelations and inquiries. Clark wanted to know if Washoe County could work with the City of Reno who own the CAC building.
County Manager Eric Brown's email to Commissioner Mike Clark - August 22, 2024
A notable aspect that surfaced from Brown's email exchange was the acknowledgement of "private conversations," juxtaposed with a subtle allegation directed towards Commissioner Clark for daring to question the integrity of the information provided. Notably, Commissioner Clark's pursuit for transparency was evident, as he sought to unveil the orchestrators behind the information disseminated.
In the midst of these events, Reno City Councilmember Jenny Brekhus emerged as a pivotal voice advocating for the need for open discussions and transparent dealings regarding the CAC building and has been for months. The recurring theme of private dialogues and the subsequent repercussions highlighted the necessity for clarity and accountability in professional discourse. Brekhus asked at the August 15, 2024, Reno City Council meeting if there had been private conversations.
Jenny Brekhus trying to start discussions regarding the Community Assistance Center September 29, 2023.
As the narrative unfolds, a critical juncture emerges where ethical considerations merge with accountability. Commissioner Clark's quest for transparency and Jenny Brekhus's persistent advocacy resonate with broader themes of governance, responsibility, and integrity within professional environments. In Brown’s email he made an admission of “private conversations” while admonishing Commissioner Clark for questioning if he had been lied to. Clark did not blame the employee, he wanted to know who instructed her to respond. Fair question.
Jenny Brekhus asked from the Reno City Council dais on August 14, 2024 if there had been conversations between the city and county, didn’t Brown just verity that exact occurrence in his email dated Thursday, August 22, 2024, and not only conversations, but “private conversations.”
The ultimate question is what high up employee from Washoe County talked to a higher up employee at the City of Reno “privately” regarding the CAC building per County Manager Brown’s email to Commissioner Clark. We know, we’ll never know, but we can ask.