By David Cortinas/La Voz
SUNNYSIDE, Wash. — Councilor Vicky Frausto is calling for an immediate end to the internal investigation of Sunnyside City Manager Mike Gonzalez, arguing that the nearly three-month-long probe has cost the city close to $100,000 and produced little evidence of wrongdoing.
Gonzalez was placed on paid administrative leave by the City Council on June 2, 2025, following a closed-door executive session. The Council voted 5–2 to approve the action, citing “non-disciplinary matters.” Frausto and Councilor Julia Hart opposed the decision.
Since then, the city has been paying both Gonzalez and interim administrator Jim Bridges roughly $13,866 per month each, while also paying investigator Thadius O’Sullivan at a rate of $325 an hour.
“I would like to motion to end the internal investigation. I think we wasted enough of community’s taxpayer money,” Frausto said during the August 25 council meeting. “We’re paying Jim Bridges over $13,000 a month and paying Mike Gonzalez over $13,000 a month. We are paying this internal investigator $325 an hour for almost three months.”
Anonymous city staff close to the investigation say the inquiry has not revealed evidence warranting Gonzalez’s removal, though some councilmembers — Theresa Hancock, Jorge Galvan, Vicki Ripley, and Keren Vazquez — are reportedly seeking a way to pressure Gonzalez to resign with minimal political and financial fallout.
Meanwhile, Gonzalez has filed a tort claim against the city, alleging damage to his reputation, racism, harassment, and political targeting. The claim specifically names Councilor Hancock. In a related matter, HR Manager Irving Brown has held a protection order against Hancock for more than a month.
During Monday’s meeting, Mayor Dean Boersma confirmed the investigation is near completion but extended Gonzalez’s leave until September 9.
“This is exhausting to the community, and I want to see this come to an end as well,” Boersma said. “If we extend this to September 9th, I am committed to not extending things any past that.”
City Attorney Julie Norton cautioned that the matter should be resolved in executive session, noting that the investigation is legally protected.
“We are in the final stages of putting the investigation together. I think it would be premature to act tonight,” Norton told the council.
Despite Frausto’s motion, the majority of the council voted to continue with the process until the September deadline.
