City Manager Mike Gonzalez
According to credible sources inside the City of Sunnyside, La Voz Hispanic Newspaper has learned that City Council members offered City Manager Mike González nearly $100,000 in severance and benefits on August 28th—just three days after being advised that the results of an internal investigation were not strong enough to fire him “with cause.”
On Sunday morning, La Voz reached out to González to confirm the offer. Gonzalez confirmed, saying City Attorney Julie Norton presented him with the proposal, which he rejected immediately.
“I just want to clear my name. This wasn’t fair or just from the very beginning. This process has dragged on for three months and has taken a toll on me and my family. I’ve endured relentless abuse from online trolls and fake accounts spreading lies. The truth is the investigation was a dud. I should be reinstated to my job immediately,” said González.
What the Offer Included
The city’s proposal reportedly included:
- Six months’ severance pay,
- Three months of free health care benefits, and
- Eligibility to pursue unemployment benefits.
In exchange, González would have been required to give up his right to sue the city and issue a written press release exonerating Councilmember Theresa Hancock of any wrongdoing in his harassment claim. block
