Ethics Commission clears former manager

John Gonzales was accused of convincing Sparks city officials to buy the pumps six years ago from his friend John Gorshing and of giving Gorshing inside information.

Commission Chairwoman Mary Boetsch was the lone dissenter in Thursday's 4-1 vote. She accused Gonzales of lying to the panel when he said he didn't know Gorshing represented the pump manufacturer. She said Gonzales received a letter from Gorshing praising the pumps.

The $311,275 pumps began breaking down as soon as they were installed and now are worn out after costing $77,791 for parts, plus 900 hours of labor, the Reno Gazette-Journal reported.

The city says it wants the manufacturer to replace the units and will go to court if it does not.

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