*Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi announced the formation of an ad-hoc committee that will investigate Vice Mayor Jason Lee and determine whether he should face accountability measures.
“Recent events and escalating rhetoric have made it necessary to reaffirm a simple truth: Stockton’s government must operate with integrity, transparency, and respect for the law,” she said at a press conference ahead of Tuesday evening’s City Council meeting, CBS News. Fugazi added that she tried “to maintain professionalism and cooperation within the Council despite repeated provocations and public attacks from the vice mayor.”
According to the mayor, the review will examine several issues, including Lee’s involvement in a nonprofit proposal that allegedly sought $58 million in public funding. Additional allegations involve unapproved filming inside city hall, a purportedly hostile environment for staff, and questions about whether Lee attempted to direct city resources toward personal associates.
“Make no mistake, Stockton will not be exploited for anyone’s personal agenda or network of associates,” she said.
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Fugazi also cited comments Lee reportedly made online involving her relatives. “Probably the most hurtful thing is pulling my family into this,” she said, noting prior threats to her home. She stated, “I need to keep my family safe. I have to keep my family safe, and this only exacerbates it.” The mayor said the committee’s findings would dictate next steps, stressing that the process will be lawful and could either confirm wrongdoing or provide clarity for the public.
The conflict follows earlier scrutiny over the use of $50,000 from a risk mitigation fund for a “Wild ‘N Out” event. Lee denied influencing the funding, writing on Facebook, “A few weeks ago, I got tipped off that there was a conspiracy brewing—claims that I ‘brought Wild ’N Out to Stockton’ and influenced decisions so Nick Cannon, my friends, and I could profit.”
He further responded to critics by posting: “To my haters, if you can’t outwork me in policy, opportunity, or inspiration, work harder. Because making up lies to do reputational harm won’t work when I’ve got the heart of the people.”
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Jason Lee Has A Problem: Stockton Probes $50K Payment for ‘Wild ‘N Out’ Event Amid Controversy | WATCH
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