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NCJ Daily Online
The city of Arcata announced Jan. 11 that it has hired an outside investigator to look into a report of possible violations of the city’s anti-discrimination and harassment policy by Councilmember Brett Watson.
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Under normal circumstances, a city press release states, a person facing similar allegations would be placed on administrative leave or would have their duties reassigned, but this situation differs due to Watson’s position as an elected official.
“Because Councilmember Watson cannot be placed on administrative leave, the city council adopted special protocols through which he may interact with city staff to continue performing all of his duties as an elected official while having restricted contact with potential victims and witnesses,” the release states.
On Oct. 20, Watson’s city council colleagues voted unanimously that they had no confidence in his ability to serve on the council and replaced him as mayor.
Watson, who did not attend and had previously been arrested for driving under the influence, later issued a statement saying that he was entering “a 30-day residential rehabilitation program to focus on depression and personal issues.”
He has since returned to the dais.
Mayor Stacy Atkins-Salazar was selected to replace him during a special session called before the regular Oct. 20 council meeting.
Vice Mayor Emily Goldstein, who was also appointed to her position at the meeting, then read a somewhat lengthy but vague statement before moving that the council cast a no-confidence vote, which, she noted, Watson had been informed would take place.
“We have no legal ability to remove him from the city council. However, I believe we owe it to the people of Arcata to make it clear — we do not align ourselves with the actions of Councilmember Watson,” Goldstein read at the Oct. 20 meeting. “This last week, information came to light regarding alleged behaviors of Councilmember Watson that negatively affected the city and some of its staff members.
“It is our responsibility now, as the council, to protect the well-being of our employees and the ability of our city to run smoothly,” she continued. “While to some of you it may seem unfair that we are moving forward with this vote of no confidence when Councilmember Watson is not present, we did feel it was important to be transparent with the residents of Arcata and share that this decision of leadership rotation and this proposed vote were made based on a body of information, although some of
Discord on Campus
The Humboldt State University chapter of the California State University system’s faculty association released a statement Jan. 10 calling on campus administration to approve faculty members’ requests to teach temporarily via virtual instruction amid a local surge in COVID-19 cases. Read the full story at www.northcoastjournal.com.
POSTED 01.10.22
this cannot be shared publicly at this time. I have previously conveyed my thoughts to Councilmember Watson and he has been made aware that this vote would move forward at this evening’s council meeting. I do not take this decision lightly. I have shared all I can at this time and the city will address the alleged actions in a confidential manner.”
The Jan. 11 Arcata press release notes “no finding has been made as to whether a violation of the city’s policy has occurred, and we are committed to due process throughout this investigation.”
“The city will seek to balance the public’s interest in knowing the conduct of its elected officials against the privacy rights of the affected employees,” the release states. “Once the investigation is completed, the city will determine what, if any, additional information can be disclosed to the public.”
— Kimberly Wear
POSTED 01.11.22
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