City of Boston officials have placed a staff attorney on paid administrative leave as the employee pursues a bid for mayor.
John F. Houton, who has worked in the city’s law department for 18 years, including the past 14 years as in-house counsel for the city’s treasury department, is one of 13 candidates who have filed paperwork with the city to challenge Mayor Michelle Wu this election cycle. Houton told the Globe he believes the decision to put him on leave, which was first reported by Commonwealth Beacon, is retaliation in response to his mayoral campaign.
“I’m very disappointed that I’m being challenged and intimidated to not run,” Houton, 58, told the Globe in an interview Tuesday. “It’s caused some issues, but I’m holding steadfast in trying to get my signatures so I can be on the ballot.”
Houton said city officials told him on Friday they are placing him on leave because he is a candidate for mayor. When he asked why other city employees running for office, including Kerry Augustin, the receptionist for the city’s Age Strong Commission who is also running for mayor, were not treated similarly, Houton said they expressed concern that his employment as an attorney for the city could be a conflict of interest or present ethical dilemmas.
“In order to perform its essential functions, the Law Department’s work depends on being fully non-political in its operations, and, importantly, the Department must be perceived as non-political by Cabinet Chiefs and Department heads seeking advice and counsel,” city spokesperson Jessicah Pierre said in a statement.
Pierre said the city’s Human Resources department is handling all decisions related to Houton’s employment, with the advice of outside counsel. Wu is not involved, Pierre added.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Niki Griswold can be reached at niki.griswold@globe.com. Follow her @nikigriswold.
