From: Eric Richardson [mailto:e_ric_hardson@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, October 11, 2011 3:59 PM
To: Konrad Hildebrandt
Subject: Re: FW: Beer Tavern License at the clubhouse
This could be controversial. I am ok doing it, but not during election season. I say wait until after the election then we can speak and make sure we are on the same page….
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This illegal email was sent by then Mayor Eric Richardson from his personal email account, rather than on his City account, withheld from the public record. It was discovered in our 6000+ pages of GRAMA requested emails, which were finally received – as required of the City by a Utah State Records Committee ORDER – in the requested electronic (searchable) format on Oct. 12, 2012.
Richardson acknowledged he did not want the “Beer Tavern License at the clubhouse” issue discussed until after the election. The exact reasons for waiting are not explained in the email. However, the three Council candidates that Richardson, the entire Council, and some city staff publicly promoted and campaigned in behalf of, did narrowly win their seats at the November election.
Additional emails shed light on the issue:
____________________________
From: Greg Gordon [mailto:ggordon@cedarhills.org]
Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 8:57 AM
To: ‘Konrad Hildebrandt’
Subject: RE: FW: Beer Tavern License at the clubhouse
Konrad,
I thought I’d respond to this now that the elections are over to see if this is something that the mayor/council wants me to pursue. I am good either way, however I do believe that it would bring us a great amount of income. Let me know which way to go.
Greg Gordon
Events/Recreation Center Director
City of Cedar Hills
ggordon@cedarhills.org
(801) 785-9668 ext. 301
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Then Mayor Richardson acknowledged understanding of public sentiment against alcohol being sold a their so-called family “rec center”, when he responded:
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From: Eric Richardson
To: Konrad Hildebrandt
Subject: Fw: Beer Tavern License at the clubhouse
Date: Thursday, December 29, 2011 12:09:36 PM
I still feel the same I did in November, namely that a single booked event will generate more net revenue than an entire year of beer sales. Based on the time required to obtain the license and the huge waste of time a public outcry would be, I think we shelve it until EVERYTHING else is in place. Speaking of which, how are we doing on bookings?
(emphasis in original email – underline emphasis added)
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In an online comment posted below a June 23, 2012 Daily Herald news story, “Documents: Cedar Hills considered liquor license for rec-center”, new Councilman Trent Augustus defended the Council, writing in part:
“There was no big conspiracy and these questions weren’t being asked behind closed doors.”
Understandably, he was mistaken.
Yes, we believe the Mayor was right that the “public outcry” would have been real, and may have impacted the election. Many were misled, including winning candidate Trent Augustus and current Councilmembers. The citizens voted, but without complete and accurate information. Cedar Hills Citizens for Responsible Government believes you should have this information “better late than never”. Hence this “Secret Emails Exposed” continuing series. Have we had “open, honest and transparent” government in Cedar Hills? You decide.
For additional support information, please click this PDF… Secret Email #4 – Beer Tavern License, but after election.Additional documentation