Overview

In a tense Special Board Meeting of the Central Basin Municipal Water District, President Michael Gualtieri asserted his intention to remain in his position until 2027, despite a mandate from Assembly Bill 1794 that requires him to resign following his employer's retirement notice. Gualtieri's stance has drawn criticism from fellow board members, who have likened his leadership style to authoritarianism.

Key details

  • Michael Gualtieri serves as the President of the Central Basin Municipal Water District.
  • He is an appointed director, not an elected one.
  • Gualtieri stated, "I am not leaving until 2027" during the board meeting.
  • His employer, La Habra Heights Water, submitted a retirement letter triggering the mandate under AB 1794.
  • AB 1794 requires appointed directors to vacate their seats upon retirement from their employment with a purveyor.
  • Gualtieri is currently under investigation by the Fair Political Practices Commission.
  • Board members Martha Camacho-Rodriguez and Leticia Vasquez-Wilson have voiced their concerns about Gualtieri's leadership style.
  • Camacho-Rodriguez referred to Gualtieri and appointed Director Juan Garza as "dictators."
  • Vasquez-Wilson remarked that the board is not functioning democratically.
  • Gualtieri has the authority to control the agenda, including the ability to prevent a board reorganization vote.
  • Gualtieri has stated there is an Attorney General's opinion regarding his resignation, which he believes supports his decision to remain.
  • After the meeting, a request for the Attorney General's opinion was made to an attorney from Burke Williams Sorensen.

Context

The situation highlights ongoing tensions within the Central Basin Municipal Water District, particularly regarding governance and adherence to legal mandates. Gualtieri's refusal to resign has raised questions about the board's dynamics and the implications of his leadership style.

What happens next

As the board navigates this controversy, it remains to be seen whether Gualtieri's position will prompt further legal scrutiny or lead to changes in board governance practices.

What we don't know yet

Details regarding the Attorney General's opinion referenced by Gualtieri and the specifics of the investigation by the Fair Political Practices Commission are not confirmed.