Wanted: Chula Vista City Manager

By Dianne Parham, Normal Heights

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Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008 | I don't get it. Chula Vista refused to pay its former city manager David Garcia $195,000 after he was fired for looking at pictures of Pamela Anderson on the Internet. Southeastern Economic Development Corp. is allowing Carolyn Y. Smith to keep her $100,000-plus severance after she was fired for basically diverting funds into her own pocket. Anyone else see a disconnect? I realize these are two different systems in place, but one has to wonder what Smith would have had to do to NOT receive this bonus upon being fired.

3 Comments so far on this story...

Dianne, The answer is simple. Smith was doing exactly what the mayor and city council (or at least the interests that bought and paid for them to be in office) wanted her to do with SEDC. She helped developers loot the city, so when she herself looted the city they were in no position to reprimand her because of what she knew. It was in nobody's interest at city hall to rock the boat and risk having her do a tell all. I am sure a large part of her buyout is in exchange for protection from prosecution and for her to keep her mouth shut.

Posted by Paul | reply to this comment
September 26, 2008 7:25 am

Aside from the fact that Smith provided for a payoff in her contract and Garcia didn't, "Paul" shouldn't confuse incompetence and confusion on the part of the City with intent to benefit developers. Every function in an organization needs guidance and oversight to one degree or another. Smith's competency and moral compass has long been an issue that should have generated significant oversight. Make no mistake: lack of competent management and oversight by the City lies at the roots of the SEDC debacle.

Posted by Get A Clue | reply to this comment
September 30, 2008 1:49 pm

I agree with Paul. I think that the "incompetence and confusion" at the City are largely intentional. Developers helped to choose the mayor with their campaign dollars, and they certainly didn't want a mayor who would make sure that the law would be obeyed with regard to development deals in San Diego.

Posted by Maura Larkins | reply to this comment
September 30, 2008 3:04 pm

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