Stockton City Council Member Michele Padilla spoke Friday after allegations of misconduct were made against City Manager Harry Black. In a public letter, Padilla pointed out a complaint filed by a California Water Services employee against Black earlier this year through the city attorney.But Padilla claims she was also on the receiving end of some misconduct on his behalf and that she notified the city attorney afterward.“Specifically, I faced bullying, discrimination, harassment, and that’s led me to not meet with him solely one-on-one,” Padilla said. Earlier this week, the city held a closed session to discuss the city manager’s performance evaluation, whether to discipline, dismiss or release him, and whether any litigation might ensue. Officials can’t say what was said due to limitations of the Brown Act, but the city did say that the city attorney had no actions to report following that meeting. It’s a move that did not sit well with Padilla, who said she feels the city should reconsider Black’s position as a leader.“I implore our council to be aware of what’s happening in our city, bring our community together, and ensure that everyone receives equal opportunity, equal respect, and that this doesn’t happen in any workplace,” Padilla said. KCRA 3 submitted requests for comment to the city and to Harry Black.Both requests were denied. A statement to KCRA 3 from California Water Services reads: “As far as we and our employee are concerned, this incident was put to rest in early April and our desire is to keep it in the past. Neither Cal Water not our employee have asked nor authorized anyone to comment or act on this matter on our behalf.”Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln also commented on the allegations. A statement from him read, “As Mayor, I do not condone any workplace behavior that is inappropriate, discriminatory, or harmful in any nature.”Lincoln said that any employee, city representative or member of the public has the right to express their concerns or file complaints. The city says anyone who wishes to file a complaint can call the city’s Fraud, Waste and Abuse hotline, or file a report through the city’s website.
Stockton City Council Member Michele Padilla spoke Friday after allegations of misconduct were made against City Manager Harry Black.
In a public letter, Padilla pointed out a complaint filed by a California Water Services employee against Black earlier this year through the city attorney.
But Padilla claims she was also on the receiving end of some misconduct on his behalf and that she notified the city attorney afterward.
“Specifically, I faced bullying, discrimination, harassment, and that’s led me to not meet with him solely one-on-one,” Padilla said.
Earlier this week, the city held a closed session to discuss the city manager’s performance evaluation, whether to discipline, dismiss or release him, and whether any litigation might ensue.
Officials can’t say what was said due to limitations of the Brown Act, but the city did say that the city attorney had no actions to report following that meeting.
It’s a move that did not sit well with Padilla, who said she feels the city should reconsider Black’s position as a leader.
“I implore our council to be aware of what’s happening in our city, bring our community together, and ensure that everyone receives equal opportunity, equal respect, and that this doesn’t happen in any workplace,” Padilla said.
KCRA 3 submitted requests for comment to the city and to Harry Black.
Both requests were denied.
A statement to KCRA 3 from California Water Services reads:
“As far as we and our employee are concerned, this incident was put to rest in early April and our desire is to keep it in the past. Neither Cal Water not our employee have asked nor authorized anyone to comment or act on this matter on our behalf.”
Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln also commented on the allegations. A statement from him read, “As Mayor, I do not condone any workplace behavior that is inappropriate, discriminatory, or harmful in any nature.”
Lincoln said that any employee, city representative or member of the public has the right to express their concerns or file complaints.
The city says anyone who wishes to file a complaint can call the city’s Fraud, Waste and Abuse hotline, or file a report through the city’s website.
