Fugazi unilaterally disbands city manager search committee, despite lacking authority

Mayor Christina Fugazi dissolved the city manager search committee without council approval, igniting controversy over her decision-making power. This action faced backlash from Vice Mayor Jason Lee and Councilmember Mario Enríquez, who highlighted the need for transparency in the hiring process. The committee was established after former City Manager Harry Black's resignation, with a mandate to recommend candidates for the council's consideration. Lee criticized the unilateral dissolution, stating that public engagement is crucial when making such changes. Enríquez emphasized the loss of diverse voices in candidate selection and called for public awareness of the situation.

The city attorney noted that any modifications to the committee must adhere to charter provisions and require a ballot vote. This incident reflects ongoing tensions within Stockton's City Council regarding leadership authority and collaborative governance. The outcome may have lasting implications for the city's administrative processes.