Mayoral Aide Artharee Sends Hand-Written Apology to Commissioner Smith

By Nigel Jaquiss and Aaron Mesh

Baruti Artharee, Mayor Charlie Hales' public safety advisor, yesterday sent a hand-written apology (PDF) to County Commissioner Loretta Smith after an event last Thursday at which Artharee acknowledges having made "inappropriate" comments about Smith's appearance.

Smith and other witnesses have also said Artharee moved his hips in a suggestive manner while making those comments. Artharee earlier told WW that he did not recall making any such gestures. 

Gail Shibley, Hales' chief of staff, delivered the apology, which was written on card stock with a mayoral seal on the front.

WW obtained a copy of that apology through a public records request.

Here's what it says:

County spokesman David Austin provided the following statement along with a copy of the apology:

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