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Stockton council expands probe of Wild 'N Out event to review vice mayor recusals
Summary
The Stockton City Council voted 4-3 to expand a prior inquiry into the Wild 'N Out event to include whether the vice mayor improperly failed to recuse himself at two meetings, and directed staff to return the results when the expanded review is complete.
The Stockton City Council voted 4-3 on Dec. 9 to expand an existing investigation into the city———————— ————the Wild 'N Out event to include whether the vice mayor failed to recuse himself from relevant discussions and votes.
Mayor Christina Fugazi said she brought the item back because the prior scope did not explicitly include "the failure to recuse." "That recusal should have been included and it wasn't," she said, explaining her motion to add the issue to the investigation.
Vice Mayor (role) responded that he had sought and received FPPC advice and would not recuse himself. "I got advice from the FPPC. I'm not gonna share that publicly, but I won't be recusing myself," he said, adding that any member of the public who believes there was an impropriety can file a complaint with the Fair Political Practices Commission.
The council———————— debate was contentious, with members and the public split over whether taxpayers should fund an additional probe. Several council members pushed to release the findings from the investigation already completed and to disclose its cost before committing to any further expense. One compromise motion to release the original findings at the next council meeting failed on a 4-3 vote; the motion to expand the scope ultimately passed 4-3.
Public commenters offered sharply divided views. Some urged the council to move on and not spend more on another probe; others called for full transparency and an outside review. Community advocates said the issue of recusals and perceived conflicts of interest has eroded public trust.
The expanded review will specifically examine recusals at the Aug. 26 meeting and at the Dec. 9 meeting and any related issues under the city charter and state law. The city attorney advised the council that the most conservative approach when a conflict is suspected is to recuse, but that recusal questions can be addressed by the FPPC or through the investigatory process the council has authorized.
Councilmembers voting to expand the investigation said the step is necessary to ensure completeness and public confidence; those opposing the move said the original investigative work should be released and that any additional complaints can be pursued by individuals filing with the FPPC.
The council directed staff to complete the expanded investigation and bring results to a future council meeting; the motion also authorized taking legal action if charter or statutory violations are found.
