The Hollister City Council on Monday delayed the possible removal of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Don Kelley due to a perceived conflict of interest.
The council originally was set to discuss this topic Nov. 17, but Kelley wrote to the city asking if it could be considered at a later date because he had a prior engagement.
"I already had a family function planned that I chose to honor," Kelley said.
In October, Mayor Doug Emerson called for him to resign from his position because, the mayor contended, it creates a conflict of interest between the city and the county. Kelley asked for a meeting between City Attorney Stephanie Atigh that he said "she would not go for." He argued that she is misreading the Common Law Doctrine incorrectly because his position on an advisory committee does not deal with common law.
Kelley has said the only reason he thinks he's being asked to resign is over enforcement of safety rules at the skate park. After bringing it up to the mayor, he said he hasn't gotten a straight answer. Kelley would like a legitimate reason for him to step down as a parks and recreation commissioner.
Colin McConville Colin McConville is a reporter with the Hollister Free Lance. You can reach him by email or at (831) 637-5566.
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