Lawsuits Filed In Wapato Against Wapato City Council

Politics remain heated in the city of Wapato after three lawsuits were filed in Yakima County Superior Court last week charging the Wapato City Council and City Administrator Juan Orozco of violating the Washington state public records act. Two of the lawsuits were filed by former Wapato Police Chief Dave Simmons and Trent Wilkinson they claim the city didn't follow the rules under the public records act which when they made requests for documents. The act requires a city to respond no later than five business days after receiving a request.
The third lawsuit, filed by eight Wapato residents contends the city violated the state Open Public Meetings Act by not publishing dates and times of regular council meetings. The suit also says the council held secret meetings to create the new position of city administrator.

The lawsuits were filed after former employees of the Wapato Police Department wrote a letter to the citizens of Wapato about their concerns over changes in city government.