Comments on the Paul Cunningham story

by David Safier

I have no insider information on the allegations of improper sexual remarks by Paul Cunningham. I only know what I read in this morning's Star and the Sentinel. Both stories are sketchy and incomplete because they either lack primary sources or can't reveal their sources. The Sentinel article is the more detailed of the two.

Here's what I know, from Cunningham's words in the Star report. He said he had a memory blackout while he was drinking in a San Diego bar two weeks ago. At the time, he was on a TREO trip to explore economic development, and he was drinking with city employees. If the man drinks to excess — in public, with subordinates — drinks so much he can't remember what he said, that's a big red flag that he has an alcohol-related problem he needs to address. If the "I can't remember" line is just a way to get out of taking responsibility for his actions, that speaks to a serious character flaw. Either way, there's a problem.

Cunningham says he called some people — community leaders — to apologize for something he doesn't remember doing. There's no indication in the article he called the people he was drinking with to ask what he said and, if it was inappropriate, apologize to the people he offended or possibly harassed. By not confronting his actions directly, he maintains his "I can't remember" deniability, but once again he looks like a man without much character or backbone.

Dylan Smith at the Sentinel offers some details about the allegations against Cunningham.

On May 16, the first day of the junket, Cunningham and a group of others on the trip spent the evening drinking in a bar, witnesses said.

The councilman allegedly made several suggestive comments to a high-ranking female city worker, in the presence of other women employed by the city.

Sources said Cunningham commented on the weight and sex appeal of one staffer, and invited her up to his room — a remark that some present took as a joke, while others were offended.

The councilman also unsuccessfully asked staffers and others, both male and female, to accompany him to a strip club, sources said.

Cunningham and many others on the junket were intoxicated at the time of the incident, sources said.

Those present who spoke to TucsonSentinel.com about the details of the incident declined to be identified. We are not identifying the women allegedly involved, as they would not return calls and no official complaint has been provided.

I have no idea what's going on behind the scenes right now, but it's clear Cunningham has some serious work to do. It may involve showing his behavior was not inappropriate or did not cross the line into sexual harassment territory, or it may involve admitting he made inappropriate comments and has a drinking problem he needs to deal with. Either way, he should understand this political truism: The longer he waits, the worse it gets.