Bakersfield, California – Accusations of corruption, incompetence, and malice were leveled at the California City Council meeting on Tuesday, where two new councilmembers were appointed to fill vacant seats.
Mayor Marquette Hawkins and Councilmember Ronald Smith voted to appoint Jim Creighton and Della Clark to the council. Creighton is a former councilmember who has returned to the council, while Clark previously served as California City’s planning commissioner.
The appointment is technically after the September 6 deadline for member appointments.
The delay was caused by Councilmember Michael Hurles’ refusal to attend previous special meetings scheduled for the purpose of appointing new members.
Hurles was seen voting against all motions brought up for this item at the meeting on Sept. 10, according to a video posted in a social media group.
Hurles accused Hawkins of directing the city attorney to change the agenda after Hawkins and Smith voted to adopt and consider the amended item regarding the appointment of two new councilmembers or the calling of a special election as the meeting’s first business. Hurles stated that the mayor is not permitted to direct city staff to do anything without council approval, including making changes to the agenda.
Hurles challenged the agenda item, stating that they should return to the original agenda item that was posted, asking the city attorney to confirm whether Hawkins violated municipal code.
Hawkins claimed he was simply asking questions about a potential error in the item, which the city attorney identified and corrected.
The change was made after Hawkins reportedly asked city staff if a resolution or motion was required to appoint.
Smith said Hurles’ accusation that Hawkins directed the city attorney to amend the agenda is “odd” given that he allegedly had an emergency service vehicle deliver dog food from Smith’s house to Animal Control.
“You directed at least two different city employees to do that, so you are way out of line talking about the mayor directing someone,” according to Smith.
“I did not direct the fire department to do anything,” Hurles said.
Hurles stated that he simply requested assistance from the fire department in transporting dog food to the animal shelter because he was unable to lift the packages due to medical issues.
“And let me tell you something, there’s a big difference between asking and directing,” Hurles said, pointing to Hawkins with his index finger.
“Why are you pointing the finger at me, sir?” “I don’t understand that,” Hawkins said. “Let’s keep decorum in this chamber, please.”
Hawkins then opened up the meeting to the public for comments. When Hurles protested, requesting that the city attorney answer his question first, Smith stated that the mayor is in charge of directing the meetings and that the public comments segment has already begun.
“And I’m sure you don’t want the lawyer to give their opinion,” Hurles replied.
Several members of the public spoke in favor of selecting appointees over holding a special election next year, citing factors such as the cost of holding an election and its impact on the city’s limited resources, challenges to city council activities caused by quorum-related issues, and a lengthy delay in filling council seats.
Jeannie O’Laughlin, a Cal City resident since 2016, expressed disappointment with Hurles for “holding the city hostage,” but acknowledged that all three councilmembers bear some responsibility for the conflict.
“You don’t need to go through the city manager, you need to talk directly to each other,” O’Laughlin said. “It’s time you need to act like gentlemen, put your big boy pants on, get the job done.”
Tami Johnson, a former city council member, stated that Hurles is “10,000% unqualified” for the position and is “failing miserably” in representing the entire city, not just those who voted for him.
Johnson accused Hurles of failing to show up for work, posting on social media while excluding most Cal City voters, and being biased and unfair.
“Your continued refusal to do your job is an insult to every citizen in California City,” Johnson told Tami. “Either show up and do your job, or go away. “You’re impeding progress.”
The newly appointed members, Creighton and Clark, were sworn in to serve immediately on Tuesday.
