Despite about 10 speakers urging the Yucca Valley Town Council last night to dismiss Town Manager Mark Nuaimi with cause, thereby depriving the Town Manager of a severance payment of more than $126,000, the Council dismissed Nuaimi without cause, 4 to 1. Managing editor Tami Roleff was at the meeting, and files this report…
While the Town Council did not have to explain why they were dismissing Town Manager Mark Nuaimi, Town Attorney Lona Laymon read from the severance agreement. “While Mr. Nuaimi has delivered positive progress to the town, he has also become the focal point of community divisions.” Council member Bob Leone was the lone “no” vote. “I am voting no to the severance agreement because I disagree with the severance payment.” In a statement to the Town Council, Nuaimi reminded the council of the projects that were accomplished during his three years as manager, and also took responsibility for the divisiveness in the community. “Looking back, I wish I had done more to address the tone of debate in the community. As the town manager, I fell short in realizing soon enough just how divided this community was. Worse yet, some of my approach actually contributed to the climate that has so many wanting my head on a platter this evening. To that end, I want to apologize to those on the council and in the community who I have offended. Bull in the china shop is how many would describe how I come across, but know that I meant no harm.” But Nuaimi also placed blame on his opponents whom he said thought it was merely a game. “To some in this community, this is simply politics; it was a game of sorts. It was a contact sport where there were no rules and no boundaries; but to me however, it was my livelihood, my career, my profession, and my family. To those who were playing the game behind the scenes, thank you bringing out the worst in me. Looking back now, I see the areas of my personality that need to be refined.” Deputy Town Manager Shane Stueckle will serve as acting Town Manager until a new town manager is hired. A complete transcript of Nuaimi’s remarks can be found below.
