A statement released today by Temecula city attorney Peter Thorson reiterated the city’s stance of favoring privacy in personnel matters.
Temecula City Hall (Photo by Rad Jose/Creative Commons)
“The City Council and City Staff will not discuss the placement of City Manager Robert C. Johnson and Chief Financial Officer Genie Wilson on administrative leave as these are personnel actions involving the employees and we will respect the privacy rights of the employees. At the request of their legal counsel, I will confirm that these actions were based on differences in management philosophy and goals,” Thorson said.
The released statement was in response to the decision to place City Manager Bob Johnson on administrative leave on Tuesday, Nov. 13.
It was learned that Chief Financial Officer Genie Wilson was also placed on leave.
The move surprised many residents and has left others with questions on what precipitated the decision.
Mayor Chuck Washington declined to cite specific reasons for the changes, but did offer that the council strives to always maintain a positive vision for the city.
A special meeting is planned for Tuesday, Nov. 27 that will “continue the dialogue about how we move forward,” Washington said by phone.
Johnson assumed city manager duties in January after Shawn Nelson left the post in Dec. 2011 after serving for nearly 10 years.
Community Services Director Aaron Adams has been tapped to act as interim city manager until a decision is made by the council on how to move forward.
As for what that decision will be, Washington could not say, but offered: “I have spoken with employees here and assured them that the city and citizens have been and will remain our top priority.”
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