Tucson City Councilor facing sexual harassment allegations
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Posted 9:08 PM 5/29/2012 : Tucson City Councilor facing sexual harassment allegations
TUCSON - Serious allegations of sexual harassment is swirling around Tucson's mayor and council.
The alleged misconduct centers around Councilman Paul Cunningham.
Here are the quick facts on Cunningham, the democrat was appointed to the Ward two council seat in 2010 to replace Rodney Glassman, who resigned to pursue a failed US Senate bid.
Cunningham is the son of former State Senator George Cunningham who also served as a top aide to governors Rose Mofford and Janet Napolitano.
His grandmother is retired Superior Court Judge Lillian Fisher.
Cunningham is married and has two sons.
Tucson's mayor and city attorney are taking the matter very seriously because the women Paul Cunningham is accused of sexually harassing also work for the city of Tucson.
The alleged incident happened during a recent out-of-town business trip at the famed Torrey Pines golf resort in San Diego. Cunningham was representing Tucson at a national conference there.
Witnesses claim Cunningham was drinking and began harassing high-profile women, from Tucson, who were in attendance.
Sources tell News 4, that after the three day conference was over Cunningham called several people, and left voice mails apologizing for his behavior.
News 4 Tucson's Rebecca Taylor talked with Cunningham by phone Monday. He called the allegations bologna and unsubstantiated. He declined our request for an on-camera interview.
So far, a formal complaint has not been filed.
But Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild tells News 4 he is concerned. In a statement he said, "Paul Cunningham's conduct in San Diego was such that it was referred to the City Attorney's office because it involved city employees."
News 4 also spoke with council member Karin Uhllch. She too has reached out to the City Attorney. In a statement to News 4 Uhlich says, "I have requested mayor and council have a refresher course on standards of conduct, including expectations and repercussions."
Uhlick has requested that meeting take place next week, and in private executive session.
With new information from sources, Taylor reached out to Cunningham Tuesday afternoon for comment. So far, Taylor's call has not been returned.
