By David Cortinas
Editor, La Voz Hispanic News
SUNNYSIDE, Wash. —La Voz Hispanic News has confirmed that the City of Sunnyside has approached former City Manager Mike Gonzalez about returning to lead the city he was controversially pushed out of just months ago.
Gonzalez confirmed with La Voz that City Attorney Julie Norton sent an email to his attorney Zach Hummer offering the job back. The news comes as the city council recently appointed Roselyn Oglesby to become the interim city manager. Once Gonzalez agrees to the terms, he would replace Oglesby. Gonzalez told La Voz he’s flattered by the offer.
Gonzalez had a huge impact in just one year
“All I can say is I feel vindicated. My record spoke for itself. More than 5 million in grants, properties being developed, infrastructure was fixed, business and Latino outreach, and soccer fields were going to get upgrades. I just got word that an additional 2.1 million dollar grant came in through Senator Patty Murray’s office I was working on. I’m so proud of my work in Sunnyside, and I will always love the people of the city for how they embraced me. I am glad I made such a big impact in a short time,” said Gonzalez.
Gonzalez wouldn’t tell La Voz if he is going to accept the offer. He said he’s extremely happy with his current situation and his lawyer is reviewing the offer.
For months, Gonzalez was the subject of an investigation triggered by a complaint Gonzalez filed against ousted city council member Theresa Hancock.
The independent attorney who conducted the investigation concluded that most of the accusations were either unfounded, and Gonzalez did not violate city policy, and the investigation relied on accounts from individuals who were not directly involved.
Even more troubling, the investigation itself became the subject of controversy after the investigator disclosed that efforts by former council member Theresa Hancock were made to steer or influence the direction of the inquiry, raising questions about whether the process had been tainted from the start.
Hancock was ousted from her appointed seat by a huge margin in November by Leticia Zesati, along with Vicki Ripley who was trounced by Ramon Chavez. The political firestorm that followed quickly engulfed Sunnyside City Hall
Mayor Frausto and Deputy Mayor Hart Have Stood by Gonzalez
At a public press conference following the investigation, Councilor Julia Hart called the entire process “a witch hunt” and questioned why the city had spent large amounts of taxpayer money pursuing allegations that ultimately went nowhere.
Councilor Vicky Frausto, who is now the Mayor of Sunnyside went even further, describing the situation as “an orchestration for preservation of power” that had damaged both the city and its reputation.
Despite the lack of wrongdoing, Gonzalez was ultimately terminated without cause in October 2025 following three months of paid administrative leave.
Now, in a development that highlights just how much the political landscape has changed, the City of Sunnyside has quietly reached out to Gonzalez about returning as city manager.
La Voz will provide updates on this developing situation.
