RICHMOND, Va (WTVR) -- A CBS 6 viewer who wants to remain anonymous contacted CBS 6, claiming that Richmond City Councilwoman, Michelle Mosby fired a former staffer and replaced him with another man living inside of her home.
Mosby said she sees nothing wrong with firing her old city council liaison and replacing him with a man living with her. She calls that man a friend and her pastor.
“I have a problem with the fact that everyone wants me to help 23,000 people I don't know, but I can't help a friend I’ve been knowing all my life? How fair is that?” asks Mosby.
Mosby says she simply admires the man's work ethic and his ability to communicate with Richmond residents living in the ninth district, part of the duties for a council liaison. The position earns between $35,000 and $60,000 a year.
Mosby says that even though they live together, their relationship is strictly about business and nothing more.
“We live there, he has his own quarters, his own bathroom; his own,” says Mosby.
We checked to see if this arrangement violates any city codes. City leaders we spoke with off camera say Mosby’s termination of one employee and replacing him with someone she lives with is not illegal.
CBS 6 also double-checked the city's personnel policy. While there are some restrictions in place for employees living in the same household, it doesn't prevent a manager from hiring someone who shares the same home as their employee.
Mosby tells us, she understands the concern, but doesn't believe employers should be prevented from hiring qualified friends or even family members, as long as they can get the job done. “Uzziah knows, if he plucks me, I’ll fire him,” says Mosby.
The City of Richmond does prevent manager and department heads from hiring relatives.
