Local GOP group calls on Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles to resign

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The North Carolina 12th Congressional District Republican party is calling on Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles to resign, and now the State Auditor is getting involved. It’s all tied to a settlement with CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings. Republicans say the city of Charlotte is refusing to disclose critical details of the settlement, adding that payments involving taxpayer money are not shielded by personnel exemptions.

A letter from State Auditor Dave Boliek reads in part, “…as much as $100,000 to $300,000 in public dollars may have been given to CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings for a legal settlement that may have been entered into by the city council.” The statement goes on to say, “Even if the payment was worth one penny, it should be disclosed to the public in a timely and transparent manner.”

We reached out to Mayor Lyles’ office for comment and received the following statement: “We have received the letter and will work with the state auditor, while adhering to all applicable laws. As previously stated, we intend to release all relevant public records allowed by law.”