Sunnyside Offered Mike Gonzalez $100K — He Said No
According to credible sources inside the City of Sunnyside, the City Council offered City Manager Mike Gonzalez nearly $100,000 in severance and benefits on August 28th—just three days after being advised that the results of an internal investigation were a dud and there wasn’t anything there to fire him “with cause.”
On Sunday morning Gonzalez confirmed the offer, saying City Attorney Julie Norton presented him with the proposal, which he rejected immediately.
“I just want to clear my name. This wasn’t fair or just from the very beginning. This process has dragged on for three months and has taken a toll on me and my family. I’ve endured relentless abuse from online trolls and fake accounts spreading lies. The truth is the investigation was a dud. I should be reinstated to my job immediately,” said Gonzalez.
The city’s proposal reportedly included:
- Six months’ severance pay,
- Three months of free health care benefits, and
- Eligibility to pursue unemployment benefits.
In exchange, Gonzalez would have been required to give up his right to sue the city and issue a written press release exonerating Councilmember Theresa Hancock of any wrongdoing in his harassment claim.
Councilors Frausto and Hart Come to Gonzalez’ Defense at Press Conference
On Tuesday September 2nd Mike Gonzalez was joined by Councilor Vicky Frausto and Councilor Julia Hart who both said the investigation should have never been initiated and was a waste of tax payer money.
“This whole process has just been a witch hunt,” Hart declared. “I do not believe it’s a legal process. I don’t believe that Mr. Gonzalez should have ever been put on non-disciplinary leave. It’s cost the city money to hire two city managers and pay for an independent investigation we never budgeted for.”
Councilor Vicky Frausto added this statement at the press conference. “I believe this was an orchestration for preservation of power by a few on council, and it was done at the expense of the community.”
She pointed to the $100,000+ price tag and the duplicative salaries:
“We’re paying Mike Gonzalez his salary, we’re paying Jim Bridges the same amount, and on top of that, we’re paying an investigator $325 an hour. When council members argue about nickels and dimes in the budget but stay silent about this waste — that speaks volumes.”
Where We Go From Here?
Based on the track record of the Sunnyside City Council, it’s likely Gonzalez will be fired unjustly on Monday. The city will most certainly face a lawsuit. We just hope that council members make the morally correct decision and reinstate Gonzalez to the position he deserves or face the consequences at the ballot box and the city’s bank account.
