Sotelo steps down as interim city manager

By PETE BANDA
Special to the NEWS
SanBenitoNews

The tumultuous month at City Hall continued at a special commission meeting late Tuesday night when a planned discussion into the Interim City Manager’s duties took an unexpected turn. Gavino Sotelo, who has been serving as the City’s Interim City Manager since the City Commission bought out the contract of former City Manager Manuel De la Rosa, ended up quitting on the spot after being unable to get a clear understanding of his responsibility and authority.

According to Sotelo, who spent more than 25 years in local government before retiring in 2013, a verbal agreement was reached with City officials the night the Commission terminated De La Rosa’s contract.

“I was originally asked if I would be willing to take over as City Manager, but I told them I was happy being retired,” said Sotelo. “After a discussion, I agreed to help them as an Interim Manager for three months while they looked for a permanent replacement. Nothing was ever put in writing, but it was my understand that I would have all the responsibility and authority of a full-time City Manager… that obviously was not their intention.”

Sotelo says he was then told by the city attorney that he would be classified as an independent contractor and would have to clear any major decisions with Commissioners. These stipulations, along with failing to receive payment despite working full time with the City for over a month, led Sotelo to put a discussion about his duties and authority on the agenda of the next Commission meeting.

“When I first came in, I was asked to help change the culture inside City Hall and help reestablish contact with outside agencies as well as helping get as many projects up and running as possible,” Sotelo said.
“It got to a point where I felt my hands were tied and I just couldn’t do what was asked of me. I have no ill will towards the city. I just feel like they don’t really need my help at this point.”