City of Alameda Responds to Grand Jury Report
Published on June 24, 2019
PRESS RELEASE
June 24, 2019
Contact:
City Manager’s Office: 510-747-4700
City Attorney’s Office: 510-747-4750
City of Alameda Responds to Grand Jury Report
Today, the Alameda County Grand Jury released a 31-page report on its investigation into the hiring process for a new Fire Chief in the City of Alameda in 2017. The investigation reviewed accusations of undue influence on the former City Manager during the Fire Chief hiring process, in violation of the City Charter.
The City of Alameda would like to thank the Grand Jury for its work and the findings and recommendations contained in the report.
Many of the investigative findings of the Grand Jury report align with prior investigations that have been widely reported in the media over the past two years. Those investigations include a probe conducted by the Alameda County District Attorney and a City of Alameda independent investigation. Reports and conclusions from both investigations are public records.
The Grand Jury report found that two council members violated the City Charter by attempting to influence the Fire Chief selection, and that the incident and related controversy resulted in significant losses to the City, both financially and with the departure of key personnel. The report further concluded that the Grand Jury “believes [the conduct at issue] does not warrant moving forward with formal Accusation proceedings” to remove Council Member(s) from Office.
The Grand Jury Report includes four findings and four recommendations which the City is required to respond to within 90 days from the release of the report. These findings and recommendations will be the focus of a City Council agenda item in the near future.
The City of Alameda is committed to adhering to the highest ethical standards of governance. Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft has already formed a task force to review the City Charter, seeking to provide greater guidance and clarity to City officials, staff and the public. The City’s ultimate goal is to ensure an open dialogue and restore public confidence in Alameda’s City government.