GRAND HAVEN — The Grand Haven Board of Light and Power fired its general manager Thursday, saying allegations of discrimination and harassment he leveled against a board member were baseless, while the conclusion of a whistleblower investigation draws near.
It was the latest move in a years-long series of cross-allegations involving GHBLP General Manager Dave Walters, GHBLP board members and, at times, members of Grand Haven City Council.
Walters submitted his notice of resignation in October, planning to retire as of Jan. 19. It came just days after Grand Haven City Council voted to approve hiring an outside attorney to lead an independent review of whistle-blower allegations that allege the utility attempted to destroy documents and pressured employees to participate in a political campaign last year to keep the utility separate from the city, amongst other claims.
There also have been allegations against Walters that he violated state campaign finance rules that prohibit public entities and employees from advocating for the outcome of a political campaign, according to a complaint filed with the Michigan Secretary of State Office against the GHBLP. A second complaint to the SOS claims the GHBLP board “used public funds or resources for campaign purposes,” according to documents obtained by The Sentinel.