Stockton City Manager Harry Black resigned on Thursday amid a contentious standoff with the City Council as he faced criticism from a council member who accused him of creating a hostile work environment.
Black was given a raise when his contract was renewed in August by a vote of 6-1 after the council ordered an extensive performance evaluation.
But four new councilmembers were seated last week after winning election in November, leaving Black without some of the council supporters that had backed his rehiring.
Deputy City Manager Will Crew will serve in the role on an interim basis as a search for a permanent replacement is conducted.
“I am honored and pleased to have served the City of Stockton and its residents for the past five years,” Black said in statement. “I want to thank the mayor, city council, the residents and businesses of Stockton for allowing me the distinction and honor to have served the people of this wonderful city.”
Mayor Christina Fugazi, who had previously criticized Black for creating an environment that included “bullying” and “intimidation,” thanked Black in a statement.
“We thank Harry Black for his service to our city, our community and to our residents,” Fugazi said. “We wish Harry the very best in all his future endeavors.”
Michele Padilla, who had been critical of Black’s leadership, said in a statement that she was looking to the future.
“We are committed to moving Stockton forward with positivity, new energy, and growth so that residents continue to benefit from a council focused on quality of life and service in the community,” Padilla said.
Through bankruptcy and a pandemic
Black was appointed in January 2020 and had many supporters as he brought the city back from bankruptcy and managed it through the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the public comment period on Thursday ahead of a special closed meeting of the council to discuss issues including appointment of a new city manager, Black’s defenders in the community excoriated the council for what they perceived as forcing him out.
Bobby Bivens, president of the Stockton chapter of the NAACP, urged the council to reconsider what he anticipated would be Black’s firing.
“I’m here because the city manager has improved the quality of service in this city over his time being here,” Bevins said.
He also questioned how a new city council could replace Black’s experience in the community.
“We have many, many projects that are in the process of taking off,” he said. “How many of you know what these projects are? How many of you know how these projects work? How many of you know how to speak to what it takes to complete a project?”
His comments were cut short by Fugazi, who had limited public speakers to 20 minutes overall and allotted each speaker two minutes. A vote to allow more time for public comment failed 4-3.