California mayor immediately resigns hours earlier than council investigation: ‘Banana republic’

Fairfield’s mayor abruptly resigned Tuesday simply hours earlier than metropolis leaders have been set to think about the findings of a contentious residency investigation that had clouded her ultimate months in workplace.

Catherine Moy stepped down forward of a particular Metropolis Council assembly known as to handle questions on whether or not she met the residency necessities to function mayor, ending months of political turmoil earlier than the council might act.

The mayor’s seat sat empty throughout the assembly, leaving Vice Mayor Pam Bertani to guide proceedings as performing mayor, reported ABC10. “I didn’t see this coming,” Bertani stated.

An outdoor legal professional employed to assessment the matter discovered there was inadequate proof to find out that Moy lived exterior Fairfield, however left it to the Metropolis Council to resolve whether or not any motion was warranted.

Moy resigned earlier than that dialogue might even happen. In a resignation letter, she described the residency probe as politically motivated and accused 4 council members of concentrating on her whereas losing taxpayer cash.

With Moy not in workplace, metropolis officers stated the investigation has successfully come to an finish. Nevertheless, the controversy continued to divide residents throughout public remark.

“We seem like a banana republic,” one speaker instructed the council. “This was nothing however a political hit job, so the corrupt can proceed ruling,” one other stated.

“There is no such thing as a one within the Metropolis of Fairfield that’s extra Fairfield than Cat Moy. Her dad and mom have been right here, she was raised right here, she raised her household right here, she obtained married right here,” a 3rd resident stated.

Others argued the mayor had introduced the scenario upon herself.

“No particular curiosity have been behind this, this was Cat burning her personal profession down. It was nicely deserved and I’m right here to congratulate her on her retirement and good riddance,” one other commenter stated.

The council additionally thought of whether or not town ought to cowl Moy’s authorized bills stemming from the residency dispute. Officers stated the previous mayor didn’t present a complete for these prices.

The request was rejected in a 5-1 vote.

“She is the rationale she wants these attorneys charges, so why would we pay them. That’s actually what I feel,” Councilmember Ok. Patrice Williams stated.

The resignation comes as Fairfield has confronted a number of different high-profile controversies in current weeks, together with a viral police arrest at Fairfield Excessive Faculty and a lethal capturing exterior Sem Yeto’s commencement ceremony.

“My message to Fairfield residents is that now greater than ever we actually do want to return collectively,” Bertani stated. “We’re on the information for all of the mistaken causes.”

Bertani will proceed serving as performing mayor whereas the Metropolis Council decides who will fill the place for the rest of the time period.

The council is anticipated to make that call subsequent week, with voters set to decide on Fairfield’s subsequent mayor in November.

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