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Stockton City Council Considering Punishing Silva For Possible Brown Act Violation

STOCKTON (CBS13) — The Stockton City Council is considering admonishing Mayor Anthony Silva, because they say he released confidential information from closed session council meetings.

Stockton hasn't picked its next city manager, but earlier this month, Silva put out information saying it had hired one. That's something that not only didn't happen, but was based on confidential information during closed session council meetings.

"We don't need this distraction," said City Councilman Elbert Holman.

Coachella City Manager David Garcia had been leaked as a candidate for the job. The day after his name was revealed, Garcia removed his name from the running.

But how his name was leaked became the center of controversy.

"This is the rest of the City Council letting the mayor know that we don't approve of the things he has done releasing the information that was outlined in our closed session," Holman said.

He added that the council will now consider approving a resolution reprimanding the mayor publicly, saying this was a clear violation of the Brown Act.

"It isn't necessary, it's one more thing we have to deal with," Holman said. "We can't just kick this can down the road. Now we have to stop and address this because it's that serious."

The City Council has also referred the matter to the San Joaquin County Civil Grand Jury.

CBS13 contacted the mayor about the issue, and he said, "I welcome the interaction with the Grand Jury, and I plan to fully cooperate, and I don't think the ongoing saga at city hall helps to make people's lives in Stockton better."

The City Council will discuss the issue at its December meeting.

 

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