Governor Hobbs says ‘appearance of conflict is not acceptable’ as she accepts Lisa Urias’ resignation. Urias rejects allegations as ‘false.’
PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs accepted the resignation Friday of state Tourism Director Lisa Urias, a Hobbs appointee, after a news report raised questions about Urias’ handling of a state contract.
“As a social worker, I take my role as a public servant very seriously,” Hobbs told reporters at a Capitol event.
“Anyone who has the privilege of serving the public needs to be above reproach. That’s why I accepted her resignation this morning. This appearance of conflict is not acceptable.”
Hobbs’ response came after a report Thursday in the Arizona Agenda that Urias had played a role in steering a $27,500 contract for a state logo makeover to a person with connections to her marketing agency, Urias Communications.
“Unfortunately, this past week, I was caught in a maelstrom …