On Monday, Oakland City Councilmember Ken Houston issued a statement on the resignation of City Administrator Jestin Johnson.
Houston said he was saddened by the resignation, but did not condone anyone in the workplace being disrespected, degraded, or made uncomfortable—especially female colleagues.
As more text messages are being reviewed it showcased Johnson texting with former assistant city administratorG. Harold Duffey, who was recently appointed Brentwood City Manager.
Brentwood has not issued a statement, but did have him front and center at Monday’s State of the city.
Sunday, Mayor Barbara Lee issued a statement calling the text messages “degrading” and “unprofessional”.
Within the text messages, which can be viewed here, showcase the following:
- discussed female employees in inappropriate terms
- Discussion/Celebration regarding Grants Pass Supreme Court Decision
- Jestin Johnson pressured to close encampments by developers/governor
- Including preferential treatment to remove RV’s parked in front of Marshawn Lynch’s family home.
- Calling for an emergency closure with fire (Johnson to Duffey)
The following statement was made by Councilmember Houston:
Jestin Johnson was a phenomenal City Administrator for Oakland and one of the best I’ve seen in decades. He was dedicated to his constituents and always had Oakland’s best interests at heart in all of his endeavors. It was a pleasure working alongside him, and I have a deep appreciation for his work ethic.
While I am deeply saddened by his resignation, let me be clear that I do not condone anyone in the workplace being disrespected or degraded. The feelings of all parties involved are 100% valid, especially those of our intelligent female colleagues. I believe private conversations should remain private, but when those conversations include commentary that can be construed as belittling, objectifying or perceived in this way, the matter takes a different meaning and impacts, while unintended, still creates unwelcome outcomes.
Comments made by City Administrator Johnson ultimately led to his resignation. While I do not condone the comments that were made and believe the outcome unfortunately excessive, at the same time, I do recognize today’s workplace climate requires decorum and there must be disciplinary action for inappropriate conduct .
A reminder that a renewed focus on sexual harassment training and workplace professionalism can and should be prioritized. Creating safe spaces for everyone includes not only the environments we work in together, but also the words we use to describe our colleagues.
We are all human, and people make mistakes. At the same time, we must continue to practice respectfulness, accountability, and forgiveness when we error judgement in the workplace.
I’d also like to thank ACA Betsy Lake for stepping up to the plate under these unprecedented circumstances. I have respect for her and the Mayor’s selection of her. She is more than capable of the job and will ensure the great work being done continues moving forward.
Again, harassment in the workplace is unacceptable, and no one should be made uncomfortable while working. Let’s continue creating safe spaces in our workplaces while focusing on what matters most: improving and protecting our Oakland community
According to the SF Chronicle:
In the conversation with Duffey, Johnson floated the idea of promoting a female department head to an assistant city administrator role.
Duffey, who himself was then serving as an assistant city administrator at the time, texted back: “I would have to quit. I could not take it. I would go insane.”
“She is kryptonite – I get all weak,” Duffey continued, following up with: “She is such a nice person, happy and smart.”
Johnson responded, “My kryptonite is one of her deputies,” he texted back, naming the woman. “My goodness, she’s has a helluva walk,” he continued.
Johnson responded, “My kryptonite is one of her deputies,” he texted back, naming the woman. “My goodness, she’s has a helluva walk,” he continued.
In another exchange, Duffey mentioned the female department head again, saying she was “tough.”
“Got the old player mesmerized,” Duffey texted Johnson.
“I’m telling you, you have to sit next to her. I have to force myself to only look in her eyes,” Johnson responded. “She had me a little giddy yesterday when we had to take pics.”
Sources
- Oaklandside.org: ‘Take the handcuffs off’: Texts show Oakland officials privately cheering Supreme Court ruling on homeless sweeps
- Yahoo: Oakland city administrator resigns after ‘degrading’ texts about female subordinates surface
- KTVU: Oakland city administrator resigns over ‘degrading, unprofessional’ texts
- Oaklandside.org: Justin Johnson Resigns
- San Jose Mercury: Oakland top staffer resigns in fallout from ‘degrading’ text messages
- SFGate: Oakland’s city administrator resigns after alleged ‘degrading’ communications
Related