After months of turmoil, Stockton City Council will deliberate the appointment of a new city manager candidate next week — and he’s no stranger to Stockton.
Council is set to vote Tuesday on appointing former Stockton Deputy City Manager Johnny R. Ford as the city’s next chief executive, according to the meeting’s agenda. Ford was forced to leave the city under investigation but was later cleared of wrongdoing and given a settlement for damages.
If approved, Ford would step into City Hall’s top administrative role at a moment of heightened scrutiny and conflict. Last week, the council voted to open an inquiry into Vice Mayor Jason Lee and refer potential misconduct by former interim City Manager Steve Colangelo to the San Joaquin County District Attorney. A request for a state audit of Stockton’s financial controls also remains pending…