The press conference had already begun when the mayor of National City suddenly appeared and addressed the congressman, who was standing about six feet away. It was a little awkward.
“That's right,” said National City Mayor Ron Morrison. “But I wasn't going to be intimidated by it. I mean, I think that was the purpose.”
Mayor Morrison called a press conference Friday morning to discuss the issues with City Councilman Jose Rodriguez, who was not scheduled to attend.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said: “I have no problem. He wants to stand there while I keep my word. That's fine.”
The mayor said he warned his fellow councilors how district budget enforcement could ultimately be abused in 2023. Prime Minister Scott Morrison lost the debate 3-2, and each MP was given an annual budget of $100,000.
“I said at the time that I would speak out if there was any misuse of this funding,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.
This week's La Prensa article prompted the press conference. The article questioned a new $47,000 contract between the city and a consulting firm representing Councilman Rodriguez's office. Mayor Morrison said the company did not have a license to operate in National City at the time the contract was signed. He added that the company didn't even exist earlier this year.
“This was a $47,000 contract for three months at a company with no real experience,” Morrison said. “This is a fish head that's been in the sun for too long. This just stinks to heaven.”
The mayor said the taxpayer money comes out of Councilman Rodriguez's annual budget and that the company is essentially a friend of the councilman.
“I think anyone can do the job if they hire someone they know,” Councilman Rodriguez said.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison responded: “Our confidence in local authorities is very low because of things like this.”
“I think National City politics never disappoints,” Rodriguez smiled.
He argued that the consulting firm would act as a liaison between the city and residents.
“That's exactly what it is. This is an advocacy and education team that has a set of tasks to do,” Rodriguez said. “[The mayor] I know that everything is actually legal. Everything is going well. ”
Mayor Morrison said the contract was never discussed by the full City Council, but the city manager approved it anyway.
“Is this legal? That's the question,” Morrison said.
“The district attorney should come and talk to our city manager and city attorney,” Rodriguez smiled again.
NBC 7 contacted the District Attorney's Office, but a spokesperson declined to comment.
