New Sacramento mayor votes against city manager contract extension after campaigning in support
SACRAMENTO – Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty campaigned in support of extending city manager Howard Chan's contract. But in his first action as mayor, he opposed the extension.
McCarty acknowledged an awkward moment with Chan, before voting not to extend his contract. The final council vote was 6-3 against the extension.
"I think this extremely awkward moment is uncomfortable," McCarty said. "I wouldn't want to be in this position up here as our city manager getting judged in front of all of us. There's no perfect options before us."
Councilmember Lisa Kaplan, who supported Chan's extension, says she was surprised by the mayor's change from his campaign pledge.
"I think it's important when you promise one thing and do another that you owe your public a reason in why," Kaplan said.
McCarty declined an interview request and released a statement.
"I was clear during the campaign that I would deal with the city manager's contract after I was sworn in and that my hope at the time was for continuity in the first year," McCarty said in the statement. "However, after the three-hour closed session with the full council, it was clear that it was time for a change. I voted with the majority to reject his contract and move forward."
John Vignocchi is a Sacramento developer and contributed to McCarty's mayoral campaign. He says McCarty's statement satisfies him.
"It's a fluid situation," Vignocchi said. "Howard had his requirements like he didn't, I don't believe, want a search for his replacement to start right away. I don't blame him."
Chan drew increasing public scrutiny for his $400,000 salary.
The council's decision not to extend him comes as the city is facing a forecast of three years of structural deficits. Now a search for a city manager begins.
"A new day in Sacramento, a new era for all of us," McCarty said.
Chan's contract officially ends Dec. 31. That agreement does give him the option to stay on as an assistant manager if he chooses to.
