PHOENIX — After 12News reported last week the existence of a company titled “Hitler Management LLC," the elected official tied to that company filed paperwork to terminate it.
SRP Board Member Stephen Williams told 12News the LLC was the result of a joke by a family member 20 years ago and said the name did not reflect his values. When asked last week why he had not filed paperwork to dissolve the company, Williams declined to respond.
It appears he has since taken action. New documents on the Arizona Corporation Commission website show Williams filed Articles of Termination for the LLC on the day 12News aired its story.
After 21 years in existence, the company is now listed as “inactive.”
"On behalf of the Jewish community of Greater Phoenix, the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust… we are disgusted that Stephen Williams would allow such a cruel name to remain registered for his business,” Paul Rockower, Executive Director, Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Phoenix, said. “Joke or not, Williams has apparently allowed this LLC to exist for 20-plus years under that vile name.”
Williams did not respond for comment on Wednesday about the termination of the LLC.
The 5th generation Arizona farmer is running for re-election to the SRP board. His opponent, ASU scientist Lauren Kuby, is running with a team of “clean energy” candidates.
On Wednesday, Kuby gave 12News this written statement:
"As Maya Angelou said: 'When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time’,” Kuby said. “It’s not a 'bad joke,' it’s a glimpse into his character and judgment. He’s not fit to represent the people of South Phoenix and Tempe."
Kuby provided 12News with an email showing the Anti-Defamation League was conducting an inquiry into Williams’ background, particularly because he is a political candidate. The organization has not responded to 12News for comment.
SRP is a nonprofit that operates under the direction of the elected board and council.
“While SRP management cannot control Mr. Williams’ actions, we strongly condemn the name of the LLC and support the dissolution of the entity as it goes against SRP’s values,” Jennifer Schuricht, spokesperson for SRP, said.
Rockower said he is inviting Williams to speak with the Phoenix Holocaust Association “to learn why such behavior has no place in Arizona.”
The SRP election is happening now. The deadline to request mail-in ballots is March 22 and voting in-person runs through April 2. To learn more about the SRP election, click here.
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