Oakley Mayor Pushes Back on Claim Councilmember Barred from Veterans Event

On Wednesday, Oakley Mayor Shannon Shaw issued a response to a press release claiming Councilmember George Fuller was prohibited from participating in a Veteran’s Day ceremony.

Shaw said she was approached by local media thinking they wanted a quote regarding the “beautiful event we had” but instead she was questioned about a press release issued by Fuller claiming he was prohibited from attending the event.

“While he didn’t want to put it out, I am going to because this is a place to clear my name,” as she said she was called out on social media and lied about said Shaw.

During the council meeting, she read the following statement:

“Let me be clear no one was barred from attending our event on Tuesday. Our Veteran’s Day Ceremony and lunch were open to the public and anyone who wished to honor our veterans was welcome to attend. Councilmember Fuller was in attendance at the ceremony and out of respect for the occasion I did not want to create a distraction or take away from the day meant to honor all of our veterans. I allowed him to remain on the stage even though his name was not reserved on the seat per a memorandum from the city attorney he is not permitted to participate in city sponsored events in an official capacity, however, the events are open to the public, as this was, nothing should prevent Councilmember Fuller from attending or participating in all aspects of the event in the same manner as any resident is allowed to attend.

After the ceremony concluded, and only after the ceremony concluded, I waited for the stage to clear and respectfully pulled Councilmember Fuller aside privately with Vice Mayor Henderson as my witness to remind him of the restrictions and it was not appropriate to approach staff directly about seating or event logistics given that his contact with staff has also been restricted under council direction. Unfortunately instead of acknowledging that reminder, he chose to draw attention to himself, walked around the stage with his hands behind his back simulating being handcuffed and repeatedly saying take me to jail. This was unnecessary, this was unprofessional and it was disrespectful to the veterans and the families and it was quite humiliating as I was just trying to do the right thing and have a private conversation.

The truth is straight forward, the council has implemented lawful attorney guided boundaries following an investigative report, sustained misconduct, those measures were designated to protect city staff, uphold a professional work place, and not to punish anyone for their military service or political views.

Councilmember Fuller, you stated online today that I disrespected the veterans, the senior community as well as the disabled community and you continue to make yourself out to be a victim. You are not a victim, you are a predator.

You are a predator in how your elected position as a councilmember you prey on staff through intimidation and retaliation, you belittle women because you think you are superior to them and you attack and target residents who disagree with you from behind a keyboard so you don’t have to face them directly. Your behavior is documented and its unacceptable and you have used your position to harm others and then try to hide behind your title when confronted with consequences. You have gotten away with this for far too long and have operated as if your title makes you untouchable as if being a councilmember places you above accountability and it does not.

So buckle up councilmember Fuller, I will continue to hold you accountable. I will continue to stand up for our staff, for the integrity of this organization and for the people of Oakley.”

Fuller attempted to respond but was shot down by the city attorney noting this part of the meeting was “reports” and Fuller had already provided his council report.

Previous (a long history)

Editors Note: Since being elected, Fuller has created much controversy to include the following:

  • Taking to social media and his blog to attack elected officials, constituents and staff, consultants, etc.
  • Blocks constituents from social media
  • Dec 2024 – Fuller bypassed as Mayor (see story)
  • In Nov 2024, he suggested an opponent to his council race goes back to Ukraine (see story)
  • In Nov 2024, Fuller suggested disbursing the planning commission (see story)
  • In July 2024, Fuller accused staff of secret agendas and switching out staff reports.
  • In May 2024, Fuller openly criticizes the Oakley Rotary Club and mislead the public about Enrico Cinquini Park, E Cypress Project Funding, McDonalds, Quick Quack Car Wash. This forced City Manager Josh McMurray and Aaron Meadows to issue a response refuting Fuller. (see story)
  • In January 2024, he attached club sports teams calling them highly discriminatory and they should pay more for facilities (see story)
  • In late 2023, he falsely accused his fellow councilmembers of money laundering claims (see story)
  • In Aug 2023, he threw a fit during a meeting when Councilmember Shaw grabbed a bottle of water (see video)
  • In Mid 2023, he mislead the public about the Koda Park project while slamming City Manager Josh McMurray (see story)
  • In early 2023, he suggested the Oakley Police Department not provided aid to Antioch Police Calls… chief responds (see story)
  • In 2022, Fuller suggested turning 55-acres park plan into affordable housing (see story)
  • In 2022, Fuller suggested limiting public comments (see story)

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