Oxnard Looks Into Hiring of Former City Clerk

The Oxnard City Council on Wednesday inquired into the city’s hiring of former City Clerk Mabi Covarrubias Plisky after complaints that she sidestepped established procedure to land a job with the Police Department’s crime-prevention unit.

Plisky started her new job Wednesday, a day after stepping down as city clerk. The 12-year incumbent lost a bid for reelection earlier this month.

Newly elected City Clerk Daniel Martinez and other critics charged that Plisky received special consideration because of her years of city service and because she is married to Councilman Michael Plisky.

“Her husband is on the council and she is getting a lot of favors,” said Martinez, who was sworn in Tuesday as the new clerk. “I think she is getting preferential treatment.”

City Manager Vern Hazen, who approved the hire, said Plisky came to him shortly after the election and requested a voluntary demotion to a job in another department.

He said he sent her to the personnel department, where she was interviewed for several jobs and picked by Police Chief Harold Hurtt to fill a position that had been frozen for nearly two years.

“She went through the regular procedure,” Hazen said. “Her terms of employment are like any other employee and she was treated like any other employee.”

But at a Wednesday morning council meeting, angry residents criticized the city’s hiring decision.

“I don’t know what politics were involved or how the position was filled,” said Carlos Aguilera, president of La Colonia Neighborhood Council. “But I think it’s an ugly way to start this new administration.”

Added resident Armando Garcia: “If I was in charge up there, I would fire the person who pulled that stunt. I would fire him on the spot.”

The council ordered Hazen in closed session to report back with a detailed breakdown of the job offer.

“Several city employees have called, expressing concern about the situation,” Mayor Manuel Lopez said afterward. “I think there is public concern out there, and we have to clear it up.”

Michael Plisky did not take part in the closed-session discussions about his wife, who could not be reached for comment. However, he called Martinez’s complaints “out of line.”

Even before the meeting, some city employees said they were never offered an opportunity to apply for the job.

“I had no idea there was an opening,” said Karl Lawson, who works for the city’s housing department and who has now requested an application for the position. “I think it’s only fair that interested, qualified city employees be given equal consideration for the position.”

Police Department spokesman David Keith confirmed that the job was not posted at the time Plisky was hired.

But Hazen said the job had been posted months before, shortly after the City Council decided to fill the police position. Despite drawing several qualified applicants, Hazen said he ultimately vetoed Hurtt’s selection for the job because the candidate was not already a city employee.

Plisky will take a cut in pay from a base salary of $54,845 plus $9,455 in financial benefits to a total compensation package of $44,034.

Hazen said Plisky was entitled to ask for a demotion or transfer because she was considered a city employee. Her elected duties paid only $300 a month, and the bulk of her salary came from council-approved staff duties in connection with her elected position.

As crime-prevention coordinator, Plisky will coordinate the city’s Neighborhood Watch program and will make crime-prevention presentations. In addition, she will host the department’s weekly cable television program, “Street Beat,” which offers crime-fighting tips.

“She is a very valued employee,” Hazen said. “I view it as keeping a valuable resource.”