[UPDATED] Arcata City Council Selects New Mayor and Vice Mayor After Vote of No-Confidence in Previous Mayor

We’ve updated this article at 11:32 a.m. to include this more complete story from Kevin Hoover at the Mad River Union on the change in leadership at Arcata City Hall. 

Mayor Atkins-Salazar (left) and Vice-Mayor Goldstein (right)

By a unanimous vote of the Arcata City Council’s other four members last night, Oct. 20, Brett Watson is out as mayor. Watson wasn’t present as the vote was taken.

Under the guidelines described in the Arcata Municipal Code and City Council Protocol Manual, former Vice Mayor Stacy Atkins-Salazar ascended to the mayorship, while Councilmember Emily Grace Goldstein was elected vice mayor.

 

Along with being ousted from the mayorship. Watson’s viability as a councilmember was called into question in a startling statement read by Goldstein. She called for a vote of “no confidence” in Watson’s fitness to serve on the City Council.

“We have no legal ability to remove him from the City Council, however I believe we owe it to the people of Arcata to make it clear we do not align ourselves with the actions of Councilmember Watson.”

Continued Goldstein, “This last week, information came to light regarding alleged behaviors of Councilmember Watson that negatively affected the city and some of its staff members. It is our responsibility now to protect the well being of our employees and the ability of our city to run smoothly.”

She said the council action was based on “a body of information,” and that Watson had been made aware of her position on the matter and the intention to hold a vote of no confidence.

“I do not take this decision lightly,” Goldstein said, adding that “the city will address the alleged actions in a confidential manner.”

With Watson’s empty seat flanked by two councilmembers on each side, the four then took a vote, and unanimously passed the no confidence measure.

“Vice Mayor Goldstein summed up the situation quite well,” said Mayor Atkins-Salazar. She said the action was consistent with the council’s duty to ensure smooth operation of the city. “To reiterate, this was not taken lightly,” she said.

Watson has not yet responded to inquiries. The City Council last week held a closed session regarding anticipated litigation which could be related to his situation. An investigation is apparently underway, and more details are expected to be forthcoming.

Were he to resign, Watson’s replacement could be selected via another candidate forum, as was held last July to select Matthews as a replacement for resigned former Councilmember Sofia Pereria. Or the city could hold a costly special election, though the council would likely select the least expensive option.

Watson’s troubles started with his August arrest for driving under the influence. It later came to light that he was in possession of cocaine at the time. He ultimately pleaded guilty to reduced charges and received a penalty package which included a fine, diversion and counseling.

The rest of the council supported Watson through that crisis, which was apparently unrelated to the most recent revelations of alleged wrongdoing. Watson has served four years on the council, having first been appointed to replace resigned Councilmember Mark Wheetley in 2017, then elected to the council in 2019.

Contacted afterward, Goldstein, who initiated the no confidence vote, declined to elaborate on the nature of the allegations against Watson, as did the other councilmembers. But they underlined their commitment to doing their duty on behalf of citizens and the city.

Mayor Stacy Atkins-Salazar and Vice Mayor Emily Grace Goldstein. Via City of Arcata

“I was elected to serve the City of Arcata and that is and has been my top priority,” said Mayor Atkins-Salazar. “The actions taken last night were necessary for us to be able to move forward productively as a council, and they were not taken lightly. Vice Mayor Goldstein’s statement adequately put forth the details of the situation we have been dealing with, so the public is informed as much as is possible and appropriate at this time. There are other people and their privacy to consider in this situation, therefore I will be treating the details of the matter confidentially. I was elected to serve Arcata and I would like to focus on doing just that.”

Councilmember Sarah Schaefer expressed dismay that Watson didn’t participate in rectifying the situation. “I was shocked and disappointed that Brett had not taken the responsibility to the public to make a statement or appear at the meeting,” she said.

“The four of us take the running of the City very seriously,” said Councilmember Meredith Matthews. “We all love Arcata and know that our job is to put the City first. The information brought forward was an untenable situation, and was adversely affecting the City. I am proud to work with Stacy, Emily and Sarah.”

Atkins-Salazar affirmed that point. “The challenges we have faced recently as a council have made us stronger and more determined than ever to put our best foot forward for our community. We might be a new council, but we are a hard-working and determined one!”

Watson was arrested on August 1 for a DUI, as well as possession of controlled substance and possession of paraphernalia.  Soon afterward, he released a statement saying

Former Arcata Mayor Brett Watson

Last week was the one year anniversary of my father’s death. He was severely depressed and took his own life. I’ve really been struggling with the loss this last week. I appreciate the community’s patience while I sort through the impact his death has had on me and the events of Sunday night. I take full responsibility for the results of the arrest while recognizing the importance of seeking treatment to support my mental health.

Below is the full press release from Arcata City Council sent out this morning:

The Arcata City Council appointed a new Mayor and Vice-Mayor at a special meeting on Wednesday, October 20.

The Council elected Councilmember Stacy Atkins-Salazar to be Mayor and Councilmember Emily Goldstein to serve as Vice-Mayor.

Both Mayor Atkins-Salazar and Vice-Mayor Goldstein will serve in their new roles until December 2022 as the City’s Municipal Code requires the Arcata City Council to select the mayor and vice-mayor annually at a special meeting held each December. The mayor of Arcata’s duties include presiding at Council meetings, representing the Council at community events and performing other ministerial duties, and the vice-mayor will preside in the event of the mayor’s absence.

Of her appointment, Mayor Atkins-Salazar said, “I am honored to now be serving our City in the capacity as Mayor, and I look forward to helping our Council accomplish the many goals that we have put forward.”

The next Arcata City Council meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 3. For more information on how to view the meeting or make public comment, please visit cityofarcata.org.