Suit Threatened Over Official’s Contract

Pasadena activists said Tuesday that they were considering a lawsuit against the city to forestall the extension of the controversial city manager’s contract.

The Pasadena City Council extended City Manager Phil Hawkey’s contract by two years in a closed-door meeting April 8. After an uproar from activists and union leaders that the vote violated the Brown Act requiring open meetings, the council revisited the matter during its meeting Monday night. In open session, they again extended Hawkey’s contract by a 5-2 vote.

Mayor Bill Paparian and Councilman Chris Holden opposed the contract.

Hawkey’s supporters said his stewardship was needed to steer the city through upcoming budget crises, utility deregulation and welfare reform. “We are facing some serious issues which need continuing leadership,” Councilman Paul Little said.

But opponents complain that Hawkey should serve at the council’s discretion rather than under a contract. And they maintain it is improper to renew Hawkey’s contract because it does not expire until October and he has not yet been given a performance evaluation that had been scheduled for April 7.