Carl DeMaio, who was Mayor Jerry Sanders’ first choice as chairman of a water rate oversight panel, sent us a letter that he said explains why the mayor left him off the second draft of his nominations.
Simply put, he withdrew from consideration in order to avoid a political fight that already began to bubble up months ago.
Several council members said they opposed his appointment because it would appear to be an implied endorsement of his candidacy in the District 5 council race, but DeMaio said he suspected council members were bitter for his past criticism of their budget and management decisions.
He said as much to the mayor in his Sept. 12 letter withdrawing his nomination:
While I do not question your commitment to these reform goals, it is clear that a current majority on city council do not share such a commitment. In the weeks since you announced my nomination, a majority of the current city council have made it quite clear that they will not vote to confirm my nomination. By politicizing the IROC appointment process they have once again made themselves a roadblock for reform — willing to say and do anything to maintain the status quo.
DeMaio continues:
Mr. Mayor, I appreciate your willingness and commitment to fight for my nomination. I believe with the council members continuing to politicize this appointment, we risk delaying the creation of IROC and the important work that must be done. As such, I ask that you withdraw the nomination.
Here is the revised list of nominees, which will be considered by City Council in October.