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Stockton council initiates censure review for Council Member Padilla; ad hoc committee named
Summary
Council agreed to let a censure process move forward after a complaint alleging misuse of discretionary funds and policy violations; the mayor appointed an ad hoc committee (Mayor Lincoln, Council Members Wright and Lehi) to review the complaint and report back under Council Policy 4.08.
The Stockton City Council opened a process on Aug. 20 to consider a censure complaint filed against Council Member Michelle Padilla. The complaint, submitted by two council members, alleges an apparent policy violation related to discretionary funds and requests a formal central hearing.
Staff described the review process under Council Policy 4.08 and noted that the initial step does not require evidence to be presented: the body must decide whether the complaint, if true, warrants continuing the process. Several members of the public urged the council to pursue the censure process, citing concerns about ethics and alleged misuse of city discretionary funds. David Scottena, who spoke during public comment, asked the council to pursue the censure process and said he was —deeply concerned— about the conduct referenced in the complaint.
Multiple community speakers opposed the censure referral and said the council should presume best intentions, noting Padilla's community work and suggesting the allegations stem from political differences. In her remarks, Council Member Padilla defended the community barbecue at the center of the complaint as a nonpolitical gathering in which she invited residents and community partners. —This was not a political event whatsoever. There was no intention whatsoever,— Padilla said, asking for transparency and caution about selective enforcement.
No council motion succeeded to stop the censure process at this initial, non-evidentiary stage. Mayor Kevin Lincoln appointed an ad hoc committee composed of himself, Council Member Wright and Council Member Lehi to review the complaint and prepare a recommendation to the full council.
The ad hoc committee will follow the steps and timelines under Council Policy 4.08; council members who filed the complaint and those who are the subject of the complaint are not to serve on the committee, per policy. Any further actions, including a hearing or final censure vote, will be guided by the ad hoc committee's report and the policy procedures.
