Martinez: Reject Sanders settlement

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Mayor Pro-Temp Mike Martinez said on Tuesday city council should reject the $750,000 proposed settlement with the family of Nathaniel Sanders.

In a statement released on his website , Martinez believes approving the proposal would send the wrong signals and could be perceived as an admission of guilt on the part of the city and the police department.

“You do not agree to pay that money and then have the other side say they are glad the city is admitting to wrong-doing. I think it is inappropriate,” said Martinez.

Other council members have said they will wait until they can gather more information before making a decision on how they will vote. However, the mayor and a few others have expressed similar concerns about the settlement.

Martinez worries the settlement could set a dangerous precedent which could handicap the council in future cases and believes the evidence should be presented before a jury in court.

The council is set to vote on the settlement’s approval on July 29.