STOCKTON, Calif. — In a two-page letter sent to ABC10 Thursday, Stockton city councilwoman Michele Padilla condemned Stockton City Manager Harry Black, alleging he's exhibited a "pattern of continued unprofessional behavior."
Through his public information officer, Black declined to comment on the allegations. The letter comes after Black's position was up for discipline, dismissal or release during at least two city council meetings in October.
In both cases, which were handled behind closed doors, councilmembers took no reportable action.
In the letter, Padilla says as one of seven members of the council, she has the responsibility of overseeing the City Manager and fostering an "inclusive, respectful and welcoming work environment" for city employees.
According to Padilla, Black made "disparaging and vulgar remarks" about an undisclosed female California Water Service employee. Padilla did not say when or where the alleged remarks were made or whether she heard them firsthand.
In a statement, California Water Service's Vice President Justin Skarb acknowledged the incident but said that it had been resolved earlier in the year and that the employee involved did not authorize anyone to comment about it.
"We are aware that a matter involving one of our employees that occurred much earlier this year is being rehashed. 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 nor our employee have asked nor authorized anyone to comment or act on this matter on our behalf," the statement said. "We look forward to continue strengthening our near-century-long partnership with the City."
In her letter, Padilla added that she has chosen to no longer engage in private meetings with the city manager.
"What is even more troubling is the prevalence of bullying, hostility, and retaliation within city hall, which I have personally experienced," the letter said in part. "This leaves me wondering how many other female employees may be enduring a similarly intimidating and hostile work environment under his leadership. I’m aware some have even decided to leave working for our city. This is simply not how a workplace should function."
Padilla indicated her fellow councilmembers were given a chance to "stand up and put a stop to the pattern of continued unprofessional behavior by Harry Black," but did not.
"I am concerned their loyalty is to the special business interests that wrote in support of Mr. Black and lobbied me to support him," the letter 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."
If the city council voted to fire Black without cause, the city would be required to pay him nearly $221,125 plus offer nine months of life, medical, dental and vision insurance coverage, according to his contract.
Under his five-year contract, last revised in 2022, Black can only be fired for "willful failure to implement Council policy, abandonment of his duties, conviction of a felony or misdemeanor in the course of his official duties or continued abuse of non-prescription drugs or alcohol that materially affects the performance of his duties."
Black began his job as city manager in Jan. 2020 after resigning as Cincinnati's City Manager in 2018. The city council at the time voted unanimously to approve his hiring.
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