The allegations against Patterson Mayor Mike Clauzel came to a head during the special City Council meeting Thursday when Clauzel narrowly avoided a vote for censure.
Instead, he received a reprimand in a 3-1 vote, while his lawyer alleged that other city officials had violated the Brown Act in a deal central to the censure controversy.
“While I accept responsibility for my own actions, I will not accept responsibility for exaggerated statements, misinformation, or politically motivated efforts to damage my reputation,” Clauzel said in his closing statement. “Our culture is broken. Many council members, not just myself, have directly involved themselves in staff direction, personnel matters, and operational decisions.”…