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Residents had mixed reactions Wednesday to this week’s court ruling to reinstate City Manager Arthur C. Simonian. Their sentiments ranged from satisfaction to outrage and confusion.
David Baker, a longtime resident leading a recall campaign against Mayor John M. Gullixson, said he agreed with the Superior Court judge’s decision Tuesday that the City Council improperly fired Simonian. But resident Chuck Bittick said that he has known Gullixson for 25 years and that the mayor did the right thing in pursuing action against Simonian for allegedly giving himself bonuses without the council’s consent. Bittick said the return of Simonian means more bad news for the city.
“I just think that it means a continuing array of articles that paint us in the worst possible way,” he said.
Meanwhile, City Atty. Leonard Hampel said Wednesday that he will research whether the City Council, currently deadlocked 2-2 on Simonian issues, would have to reach a vote in order to appeal the judge’s decision.
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