Turmoil continues to embroil Stockton's City Council as discussions surrounding the interim city manager's position unravel further. A recent City Council meeting was delayed for hours due to closed-door discussions, and afterwards, a decision to vote on extending Steve Colangelo's contract as interim city manager was postponed, as reported by ABC10. In lieu of a concrete decision, former deputy city manager Will Crew will maintain the interim position, with no new date scheduled to revisit Colangelo's contract extension.
Adding to the council's challenges are the allegations and mistrust among community members. According to a KCRA report, the agenda for the upcoming Tuesday meeting includes demands for investigations into the city's budget. Vice Mayor Jason Lee has expressed support for an external examination, doubting the internal controls within city management, and calling for the attorney general's involvement. "I don't believe that there are internal controls in this building to help us address that. So that's why I've said we need to refer it to this, to the attorney general," Lee stated, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Throughout the tumult, Mayor Christina Fugazi has maintained confidence in Colangelo's capabilities, despite Lee's push to keep Crew at the helm to ease tensions. "As long as there is those positions in the budget, those can be moved and shift and change, depending upon the category and classification," Fugazi argued as per KCRA, dismissing claims that Colangelo has acted outside of his purview or engaged in illicit actions.
Residents have not shied away from voicing their frustrations, with civilian Cynthia Gail Boyd expressing dismay at the delayed meeting and lack of decision-making. "Never seen such disrespect from the council or the mayor as far as their concern or lack of concern for the time and opinions of the citizens," Boyd told CBS Sacramento. In contrast, former Stockton Mayor Anthony Silva has shown support for Colangelo, lauding his commitment to the city. However, David Sengthay stands against an extension for Colangelo, supporting the continuation of Crew's interim management. "I think Will Crew should stay as the interim city manager. The search is still live," he asserted, expressing preference for stable leadership amidst controversy.
