Harry Black may be able to keep his seat as City Manager despite all the heavy allegations made against him. However, Stockton councilwoman Michele Padilla is taking a stand as she is still not tolerating the BS.
This Thursday, Padilla sent a letter to The Record and made it clear that she condemns “any form of disrespect, harassment, or behavior that fails to uphold the values and culture that best represents the city of Stockton.” As previously reported and noted in Padilla’s letter, there have been “recent incidents involving disparaging and vulgar remarks made by our current city manager Harry Black about a female Cal-Water executive.”
Those remarks were discussed on Tuesday during a meeting with the Stockton City Council. In the lengthy closed session where they talked about discipline, dismissal, or firing of the city manager, 209 Times founder Motecuzoma Sanchez also spoke during public comment, and revealed he filed a complaint earlier this year on behalf of the Cal Water employee who Harry Black allegedly referred to as a “f**ing b***h.” Harry had also been accused of using his authority to force the Stockton police chief to discriminate against Hispanic business owners and more.
Padilla said these incidents “have shaken me deeply. Such behavior does not align with the principles that Stockton stands for.”
Although Padilla did not share specific details about what she has personally experienced or witnessed during her time on the job, she said“The severity of this issue has led me to the difficult decision of no longer engaging in private meetings with the city manager.” She adds, “This leaves me wondering how many other female employees may be enduring a similarly intimidating and hostile work environment under his leadership.”
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She went on to say, “Stockton should exemplify a culture of inclusivity, respect, and support for all. The recent conduct I have observed and personally experienced from Harry Black does not represent that. I vow to continue standing up against bullying, harassment, and discrimination, especially towards women in our government. I am severely disappointed that when given the chance. certain Council colleagues of mine are refusing to stand up and put a stop to the pattern of continued unprofessional behavior by Harry Black. I am concerned their loyalty is to the special business interests that wrote in support of Mr. Black and lobbied me to support him.”
Before ending her letter she said, “I implore my fellow City Councilmembers and the community to unite in this crucial effort and put what’s right over the needs of these special interests. It is only by working together that we can transform Stockton into a place of dignity, respect, and equal opportunity for all where every voice is heard and respected.”
Black nor a rep has yet to release a statement on Padilla’s letter or some of the recent allegations.
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