Charlotte’s leaders handed over more than $230,000 in public money to a city attorney who was reportedly forced out and they’ve given the public no explanation.

After City Attorney Patrick Baker complied with a journalist’s public records request, reports suggest the Mayor and City Council moved behind closed doors to end his employment. No public statement. No press conference. No vote in open session. Just silence until the pay stubs surfaced.

What those records show is deeply disturbing: a payout of over $230,000 in taxpayer dollars with no public justification, and documents so redacted they raise more questions than they answer.

This is a blatant betrayal of public trust.

Charlotte residents should not have to dig through redacted records to find out how their money is being spent especially when it's used to quietly dismiss powerful insiders. These backroom deals erode confidence in our local government and must end now.

We demand an immediate freeze on all severance payouts approved in closed session, and a full public audit of all past employment settlements and payouts. No more secrecy. No more hush money. No more hiding behind “personnel” loopholes.

Charlotte belongs to the people, not to politicians protecting each other behind closed doors. Sign the petition and help hold them accountable.