The city of El Paso responded to the filing of an additional lawsuit by Assistant Chief Diana Kirk with news release late Wednesday blasting her and her lawyer.
"City officials call the most recent lawsuit filed by Attorney John Wenke on behalf of Diana Kirk an inappropriate use of the judicial system. At this time, the City has not been served with the lawsuit that was filed on March 16, 2009 but was made aware of its existence through press inquiries," the release stated, referencing calls made by NPT seeking comment for this story.
City Manager Joyce Wilson was quoted in the release as stating: “Under no circumstance will I stand by and allow anyone to discredit an honorable person such as Greg Allen.
“The public statements made are beyond reproach. To question his credentials is not only insulting to Chief Allen personally, but to the many community members who participated in the Police Chief’s open and transparent selection process. Since his selection, Chief Allen has proven that he was the correct choice for the City of El Paso. Mr. Wenke’s remarks are made in the context of contentious litigation to advance the interests of his client, not the interests of the City of El Paso or the El Paso Police Department. I stand firm in my support of Chief Allen,” she added.
The statement also included comments from city Reps. Beto O'Rourke and Emma Acosta.
"Since Chief Allen was appointed Police Chief, morale has skyrocketed, turnover is down considerably and crime is down. I agree with the City Manager that we need to aggressively defend the City against these types of false claims,” O’Rourke stated.
“I, too, believe Chief Allen is doing a great job. He continues to have my full support and confidence and that of those under his direction,” Acosta said.
Wenke said the news release helps make his point.
"The press release is nothing more than self serving propaganda created to protect Joyce Wilson and her appointee, Greg Allen," he said.
"I encourage the mayor and city council to read the recent depositions of Joyce Wilson, Richard Wiles and Greg Allen, before commenting on Diana Kirk's legal claims.
"They will then realize that they have been provided filtered information regarding the police chief selection process and Diana Kirk's current claims. Rather than circling the wagons, I would hope the some of the more principled members of council seek an independent inquiry into the issues raised by Chief Kirk's lawsuits."
