Robbie Waters' Son Faces Firing Over 'Permit-Gate'

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) -- The day after Robbie Waters finished up his 16 years of service on the Sacramento City Council, the city began the process to fire his son.

Dan Waters, who has been reported to be in the center of the scandal that brought down the ire of federal officials, is being shown the door for his role in handing out new home permits in a flood zone in Natomas.

Sacramento interim city manager Gus Vina issued the younger Waters a termination intent letter the day before Thanksgiving, just one day after his father's final City Council appearance.

Mayor Kevin Johnson said the action was part of the city's effort to bring "accountability" to taxpayers, but he didn't comment on the suspicious timing of the move.

"I can't weigh in on that at all, we were never briefed," Johnson said.

City hall insiders told CBS13 the firing breaks a promise Vina and Robbie Waters had --should any disciplinary action be taken against his son, Robbie Waters would be given notice. He wasn't.

"I don't believe in cronyism, nepotism, favoritism," Johnson said.

Dan Waters will have the opportunity to make an appeal to keep his job. He was not available to comment on the news.

The "permit-gate" scandal has already cost Sacramento taxpayers more than $350,000 to fix.