Thomas Paine Square tenants urge City investigation, allege missing checks, poor security and unsafe conditions

Several long-term residents of Thomas Paine Square Apartments addressed the board during public comment, describing a pattern of alleged mismanagement and unsafe living conditions and asking the city to investigate.

"We need the city attorney to investigate Bobby Sisk and make sure he can receive no more money from the city," said Jessica Salinas, who identified herself as a resident and said she has experienced threats, slashed tires and property damage.

Other tenants and organizers described missing or uncredited cashier checks and money orders, inadequate security that they said is connected to a board chair who contracts the security company, and repeated maintenance failures such as unresolved mold and asbestos concerns. Pat Cochran, an organizer for Thomas Paine residents, said reporting by local outlets showed the security contractor had been overpaid by the housing authority and that the city could have acted earlier to curb alleged abuses.

A resident who said they have lived at Thomas Paine for 57 years described long delays for repairs and poor building upkeep, and urged the board to step in. Speakers repeatedly requested the city attorney and GAO subcommittee to investigate ownership and management practices, request ledger access from property management, and ensure tenant safety.

Why it matters: comments allege potential misappropriation of funds, conflicts of interest in security contracting, and threats to resident safety. Tenants requested specific enforcement and oversight actions: ledger review, replacement of security contractors, and a formal city investigation.

What happens next: the speakers asked the board to direct the city attorney and the GAO subcommittee to investigate. No formal action was taken on the dais during this meeting; public comment closed and the board moved to other agenda items.