Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi continues to face criticism from councilmembers and residents after repeatedly shifting the timing of general public comment at council meetings and citing a state law that officials later confirmed does not require the change.
Fugazi has moved general public comment to the end of meetings in three of the last four regularly scheduled meetings, sometimes pushing speakers to wait more than four hours before addressing the council. Her actions have frustrated residents, who say waiting late into the night to address elected officials on issues not listed on the agenda discourages participation, particularly for parents, seniors and those who work early mornings.
While Fugazi kept public comment at the beginning of the most recent meeting, it remains unclear whether the change will continue.
Stockton council committee criticizes mayor
At a Council Legislation and Environmental Committee meeting on Monday, March 16, members criticized Fugazi for providing inaccurate information about California Senate Bill 707, which she cited to justify moving general public comment to the end of meetings. Acting City Attorney Taryn Jones and City Clerk Katherine Roland confirmed the law does not require moving general public comment…