Stockton City Councilmember Michele Padilla gave an impassioned speech at Tuesday’s City Council meeting defending herself against accusations that she misused public money.
“I am not going to apologize for refusing to join the political cliqué, for standing up for what I believe is right,” Padilla said. “But let’s be clear, equity and fairness should apply to everyone. Sadly, what’s happening here tonight is anything but fair and just.”
Padilla, however, was met with stony silence from her fellow councilmembers, who ultimately opted to move forward with the censure process that was initiated against her earlier this month.
The District 1 councilmember hosted a community BBQ in July where local officials and candidates running for office in the upcoming November election were allowed to make speeches, some of whom addressed their campaigns and political opponents. The event reportedly cost more than $10,000 to host and was paid for with City Council discretionary funding, which councilmembers are barred from using for political events.
City officials later said Padilla’s expenses would not have been approved had it been known that any component of the event was political in nature.
Councilmembers Michael Blower and Brando Villapudua submitted an official letter to the city clerk’s office earlier this month filing a complaint against Padilla following reports of political activity at the city-funded event, requesting that a censure hearing be put on the Council’s next agenda. …
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Cassie Dickman 