Stockton’s elected officials promised a new era of transparency, but questions are swirling around the office meant to deliver it.
Stockton Public Information Officer Tony Mannor first briefed the Council Audit Committee on the newly formed Office of Public Transparency, Information and Communication (OPTIC) in July, created in response to the 2023-24 San Joaquin Civil Grand Jury report, “Crisis in Government,” which called for greater transparency in Stockton.
While OPTIC appears to be a necessary addition and aims to strengthen city communication, its quiet formation has raised concerns, with some councilmembers accusing the former interim city manager of using old budget funds to create it without council approval…