While we appreciate the coverage of Clayton in the Diablo Gazette (reprinted in black type below), the team at Clayton Watch felt it was important to add some commentary (in blue) throughout the article to provide clarity and offer a more accurate perspective. See the updated version below.
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Clayton Council to Explore Governance Training
For years City of Clayton has suffered from high staff turnover. Councilmember Holly Tillman has repeatedly asked Council for an independent investigation since October 2023. She felt it was the actions of some of the other councilmembers behavior responsible for the high turnover.
* For over 15 months, Holly Tillman's repeated requests for an investigation were disruptive and wasted time during council meetings. As we have stated in previous articles, the turnover of staff had nothing to do with the council; it was entirely due to two poor hiring decisions. (Past City Managers Reina Schwartz, and Bret Prebula) To read our past articles, click the links below:
1. Holly Tillman: When Did Asking Questions Become a Problem?
2. Clayton Residents: Get the Truth and Know the Facts
3. City of Clayton: It's Time to Get Back on Track
In a March 11, 2024, a Clayton Pioneer editorial by Tamara Steiner elevated the drama stating the “City is in decline” and called for a Grand Jury investigation.
Clayton City Hall is in chaos. It’s time for the Contra Costa Grand Jury to step in for a close look at City Council governance and the behavior of some individual councilmembers.”
* Not only did Tamara Steiner constantly bang the drum, she also participated in a podcast where she tried her best to tear the city down, calling it a city in decline.
Click on the following to read one of her past articles.
https://www.claytonwatch.org/2024/03/theres-no-limit-on-what-community-can-do.html
Once again, Tamara is mistaken. There is no need for an investigation. For some unknown reason, she seems determined to cast a dark shadow over Clayton.
Bringing civility to the issue, Mayor Trupiano arranged a meeting between herself, Tillman, City Manager Kris Louftus, and City Attorney Mala Subramanian on January 28th to review the turnover.
* At the January 21st city council meeting, Mayor Trupiano stated that she had sent an email to Councilmember Tillman requesting a meeting to discuss her ongoing concerns about staff harassment and turnover. Tillman responded with evasive language, attempting to explain why she had not yet addressed Trupiano's request.
During the February 4th council meeting, Mayor Trupiano reported that a meeting had finally been scheduled between herself, Tillman, City Manager Kris Louftus, and City Attorney Mala Subramanian on January 28th.
According to a post on ClaytonWatch.org, which is no fan of Tillman, “It was determined that no investigation would take place, as we all knew there were no valid complaints from current or former staff that would warrant such an inquiry. The turnover in city staff stemmed from one primary issue: poor leadership and mismanagement by previous city managers... (whose) styles caused the turmoil at City Hall, not the actions of certain council members or public inquiries.”
* As we've mentioned all along, poor leadership and mismanagement by previous city managers were the issues. Now that we have a true professional at the helm, we have a fantastic team working for all of us at city hall.
Also, as a result of that meeting, Mayor Trupiano and Tillman formed an ad hoc committee with the council’s unanimous approval in order to facilitate a governance training workshop for Council and staff. Tillman stated to Councilmember Jeff Wan in that meeting that the ad hoc committee and training satisfies her previous requests for an independent investigation.
* Maybe now Holly Tillman can reach out to her friend and ally at the Clayton Pioneer to share the news: 'No investigation is needed,' and she was wrong.
However, Tillman told the Diablo Gazette, “I will let people know if it’s resolved based on council members’ behavior in the future. Now, the rubber will hit the road once we find the person to do the training and if all five council members show up for the training and actually complete it. It’s baby steps.”
* We’re not sure what Holly Tillman meant by the ‘rubber will hit the road’ comment, or why she would doubt for even a moment that the other council members wouldn’t show up for the training. It appears that she is still in the early stages of grasping the operations of a city council, as well as the importance of interacting with fellow council members and the public professionally. However, you can form your own opinion by clicking here to observe her in action. To us, it seems like she’s the one that needs some serious training, and she is the one taking baby steps.
Toxic Tillman's great lie has finally been exposed. I wonder if she will apologize to her council colleagues. Any bets?
ReplyDeleteShe won't apologize. That would mean she has to admit she lies.
DeleteClayton is a wonderful place to live! I don't understand the few disgruntled people with an agenda to make Clayton look bad. My favorite falsehood is "Other Cities think Clayton is a joke because of staff turnover." Most residents of Clayton don't know there was turnover at City Hall, much less anyone living outside Clayton.
DeleteThe outsiders who know what is happening in Clayton get their information directly from loudmouth Tillman herself. Unfortunately, they do not know better than not to believe her lies.
DeleteSpot on! Thank you Clayton Watch
ReplyDeleteIt took Mayor Trupiano to flush this out. I especially enjoyed the videos showing the real Tillman in action. She needs to go.
ReplyDeleteThe next lie that needs to be addressed is her absence from the last council meeting. She spent the day in Walnut Creek at the women's conference but couldn't be bothered to show up for the work she was elected to do in Clayton. My suggestions for Holly are: do not lie and blame it on the lack of a Zoom function; the city has it. Second, decrease your social schedule from all the crab feeds so you aren't too stuffed and tired to show up. Lastly, we know you aren't a fan of who was honored at the last council meeting. Did you just coward out?
ReplyDeleteDifferent day, the same bullshit from Tillman. I have never seen someone so overrated as her.
As stated above, Tillman was out yet again at a crab feed on 3/8, the same week she could not show up for the city council meeting on the 4th. Tillman is completely shirking her council duties for her social calendar. Wake up, Clayton. We need this classless egomaniac removed from the council. The lies, subterfuge, divisive, and manipulation by Tillman have to go along with her minions. She is hurting Clayton and all of its residents
DeleteMayor Trupiano is the best! She took Tillman head-on, calling out her nonsense, and look at that—there were no complaints. Tillman is still trying to make it a thing in her comments in the article, but in reality, will Tillman show up? If Tillman isn't getting her way, is she going to be like Bret Prebula and take her ball and go home in a huff? Probably.
ReplyDeleteThe city pays dues of over 7K a year to League of California Cities---they have training for 'good governance'--what is the delay? The lady doth protest too much, methinks.
ReplyDeleteWhy does this farce publication keep slandering Holly?
ReplyDeleteIt seems that Clayton Watch is committed to honesty based on what I've seen. I suggest you stop relying on the Clayton Pioneer and verify your information.
DeleteOh, there you are, Ed. I wondered when you would crawl out of the sewer to defend your fellow liar. Neither you nor Holly would know the truth if it sat before you with a glass of wine. You both would whine about not getting your way.
DeleteThis is hardly a farse publication. Clayton Watch is the place to share your views without being blacklisted or having your posts deleted by people like you for telling the truth.
DeleteWe all know she does. She is a master troublemaker. I almost vomited when she said she took an ethics course. Where, when, did she show up, or did she have someone sign her name like her supposed vote at Cal Cities? I sure hope the city never reimbursed her for that. She lied at the council meeting when she said she would be there for the vote. She left the night before for a funeral at St Bonaventure.
ReplyDeleteThe ugly truth is that liberals are inherently unhappy about everything, and changes must be made to their liking. That’s why Holly and Tammie are so toxic It’s a form of narcissistic behavior that screens “me, me, me!”. They must have their way on everything.
ReplyDeletePlease stop with the "liberal" label. I consider myself a "liberal" and dislike Holly's and Tamara's selfish outbursts. They are deliberately trying to give our town a bad name and I'm tired of it! Unfortunately, I don't believe this will satisfy either of them. They will always find something about which to complain. It makes them feel important and that's what bullies do.
DeleteWell Ed, if you’re so mad about it, whom will you challenge to a fight in the city park? I want to know, so I can arrange to sell concessions. Popcorn for everyone!
ReplyDeleteI’ve known the Tillman’s for a long time, and can say they’re living large. They have a lifestyle many would envy. Don’t get me wrong, I’m very happy for them and their success.
ReplyDeleteBut they prove an old saying. Those who have the most also complain the most.
Take note Clayton.
I would agree. The Tillmans live very large and do complain the most. Holly got something people wait for for many years and die still waiting, yet she is eternally ungrateful for all she has. The nerve of the constant complaining and victimization of herself is gross and disgusting. It's a shame the people who voted for her do not understand who she is. Despite hurting others, she is a self-centered egomaniac who will do whatever it takes to get what she wants.
DeleteRumor has it that a small group of people in Dana Hills are trying to organize a recall on Holly Tillman. They realize they can’t do anything until she’s been seated for at least six months. Hopefully, someone else will chime in here and give us an update.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting information. John and I will gladly walk and collect signatures. With Peter Cloven gone, we now have just one remaining bad apple on the council. It’s time for her to go.
Delete"It’s about time that the truth be shared with our small town. I genuinely enjoy visiting this website and reading through the insightful comments shared by others. It’s refreshing to finally see open discussions and a platform where people can express their thoughts and opinions freely."
ReplyDeleteWith all the liberal monitors on Nextdoor, you can’t say boo without offending somebody. Thank you Clayton Watch.
I would happily volunteer to collect signatures to remove Holly Tillman. Her social schedule, posing for pictures, causing trouble, and speaking untruths about everyone and everything are her biggest priorities, not Clayton and its residents
ReplyDeleteI seriously dare you to do so.
DeleteEd M., I strongly encourage you to make your case clear. Please stop with the empty threats. You can avoid being misled by people’s words if you focus on their actions. Holly talks a lot but takes no real action. Open your eyes, set aside your ideology, and move beyond left-leaning politics. The past four years have shown that it doesn't work. If you go woke . . . you go broke.
DeleteEd, you’ve run out of words that matter.
DeleteEd, to be clear, are you daring people to collect signatures? If you are, you might not like the result of that date. The only one seriously enamored with Holly is you. I think you secretly lust after her the way you are always on her hindquarters. You are not a sound person.
DeleteIf you want to go fast, go alone
ReplyDeleteIf you want to go far, go together
Proverb from unknown origin
I'm very glad of the decision Holly made after the last meeting on this sad story.
The well organized chronology by CW could have led to other endings.
I have no words for Tamara's threats.
CatV
Tamara and Holly are two peas in a pod. They are miserable, mean, vicious, and lying women who act out when they don't get their way. Negative Nellies.
Delete