The city council and its members shall deal with the administrative services of the city only through the city manager, except for the purpose of inquiry, and neither the city council nor any member thereof shall give orders to any subordinates of the city manager (emphasis added).
West Covina Code of Ordinances
Division 2. City Manager. Section 2-151. Powers and Duties
Subsection (q) Council Manager Relations
Why are West Covina's Legal Expenses Skyrocketing?
West Covina’s legal expenses have skyrocketed since 2018 when the “Wu council majority” took over. The number of complaints and lawsuits filed against the City of West Covina reflects a failure of leadership and management. It is a concern that most of the complaints and lawsuits are filed by employees due to councilmembers violating the above referenced policy. Councilmember Tony Wu plays a prominent role violating this ordinance.
This page provides examples of inappropriate council involvement in city administrative processes that resulted in complaints and lawsuits.
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Legal Testimony Excerpts
Topic
New!
At Will Employment
City Manager Hiring
City Ordinance 2-151:
Change to City Manager Appointment Power
Conflicts of Interest
Firefighter Association Elected Official Endorsement Process
Testimony By
Chris Freeland, Tony Wu, Matthew Jackson (5 pages)
Tony Wu, David Carmany (3 pages)
Chris Freeland, Tony Wu (7 pages)
Chris Freeland, Larry Whithorn, Tony Wu (5 pages)
Matthew Jackson (3 pages)
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News Sources
Ogden, G. (2019, May 2-8.) New West Covina City Manager Fires Both Police and Fire Chiefs. San Gabriel Valley Examiner.
Montoya, R. (2023, May 18.) West Covina holds hearing on event controversy amid criminal investigation against councilmember. SAC Media.
Valdes, G. (2023, May 17.) West Covina councilmember under LA County Sheriff investigation, officials said. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
These reports are mentioned in the above articles by Ruben Montoya and Georgia Valdes:
Today's Incident ("I'm going to punch you in the face.")
Incident of August 6 - Fire Department Badge Pinning Ceremony
Valdes, G. (2023, May 13.) West Covina leaders’ comments doomed Indigenous blessing, report says. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
The article links to this report: JL Group, LLC. Summary of Investigation
Land Acknowledgement Incident at Centennial Event
City of West Covina
For articles on related or additional issues, see Resources.
Update: 06/13/24 jp