Dear Mayor, Councilmembers, Staff, and Clayton Community,
As concerned residents and members of Clayton Watch, we are writing to you in response to the 2024–2025 Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury Report, “Clayton: Small City, Big Concerns.”
While Civil Grand Juries serve a role in civic oversight, their reports are advisory. They offer opinions, not legal findings or evidentiary conclusions. That distinction is critical and often overlooked by the public.
Now to the heart of the matter: the Grand Jury missed the most important point.
As concerned residents and members of Clayton Watch, we are writing to you in response to the 2024–2025 Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury Report, “Clayton: Small City, Big Concerns.”
While Civil Grand Juries serve a role in civic oversight, their reports are advisory. They offer opinions, not legal findings or evidentiary conclusions. That distinction is critical and often overlooked by the public.
Now to the heart of the matter: the Grand Jury missed the most important point.
Accountability rests squarely with the City Manager and City Attorney, particularly regarding council agendas, adherence to the Brown Act, and day-to-day operations. And the City Council, under the leadership of Wolfe, Cloven, and Tillman, failed in its oversight role. Collectively, they let the city drift into dysfunction.
During one of the most unstable periods in Clayton’s history, City Managers Reina Schwartz and Bret Prebula, under legal guidance from City Attorney Mala Subramanian, failed to lead. The City Manager is the city’s CEO; the City Attorney, its legal compass. Instead of guiding the Council and enforcing best practices, they abdicated their responsibilities, resulting in confusion, declining services, and public mistrust.
- Ms. Schwartz, hired in 2020, often worked remotely from Sacramento, limiting her presence in the city. Services deteriorated, and her tenure ended with a resignation citing personal reasons.
- Mr. Prebula, her successor, ignored hiring protocols, failed to conduct background checks, didn’t post job openings publicly, and withheld crucial financial and construction project information. Residents were forced to file Public Records Act requests just to obtain basic answers—so much for transparency.
The Grand Jury’s depiction of staff turnover was misleading. The claim of “12 City Managers” includes several short-term retirees serving as interim placeholders. Since longtime City Manager Gary Napper retired in 2019, Clayton has had four permanent managers, not twelve. Exaggerations like these undermine the credibility of the report.
Likewise, several staff departures were far from routine:
• One resigned following a DUI incident.
• Another cited a hostile work environment under Mr. Prebula (currently under investigation.)
• Some resigned due to internal dysfunction or followed Prebula’s exit.
• Others were eliminated due to restructuring.
None of this vital context made it into the report. Why?
Even more troubling is what the Grand Jury failed to include. For over 18 months, while Wolfe, Tillman, and Cloven held the majority, the city’s checkbook went unreconciled—a material weakness flagged by auditors under Ms. Schwartz’s watch. Yet during this period, these councilmembers pushed a $400 annual parcel tax while fully aware of financial disarray. At the same time, $50,000 in stolen funds from the city’s checkbook went undetected for more than six months. None of this appeared in the report.
A closer read shows that many of Clayton’s challenges stemmed from poor executive hires—Schwartz and Prebula, who were publicly supported and defended by Wolfe, Tillman, and Cloven. They continue to stand by those choices, despite the long-term consequences.
The report also contained factual inaccuracies. Capital improvement costs were miscategorized as operating expenses, giving a distorted fiscal picture. That error has since been corrected, yet the Grand Jury didn’t acknowledge it.
We must also question the report’s tone and sources. Its narrative closely mirrors that of the Clayton Pioneer—a publication long criticized for bias—whose editor, Tamara Steiner, has made no secret of her views. The report references the Clayton Business and Community Association (CBCA) 18 times, raising legitimate concerns about influence and impartiality.
Notably, before the report’s release, Councilmember Tillman publicly suggested at a past city council meeting certain residents would soon be “eating crow.” How would she know? The origins of this complaint are no mystery.
And despite all the bluster, the Grand Jury found no serious misconduct, no civil rights violations, and no improper council overreach.
Ironically, the report validates what many of us already know: real reform began with the 2022 election. Since then, the Council majority—Trupiano, Diaz, and Wan—has worked to restore stability, integrity, and transparency to City Hall. A new City Manager and Assistant City Manager are in place. Every contract has been audited. Every expense is reviewed. Financial controls have been restored. This is the leadership residents demanded—and it’s finally being delivered.
As for the report’s suggestion that Clayton “explore alternative revenue sources”? That’s tone-deaf. Fiscal responsibility doesn’t mean inventing new taxes. And for the record, the city cannot raise taxes without voter approval. Responsible governance means managing money wisely, understanding the numbers, and eliminating waste—basic concepts neglected under prior leadership but now back in practice.
To be fair, the report did offer a few useful suggestions, like improving agenda access and encouraging public participation. Fortunately, these are already top priorities for the current Council. We agree with those limited points but emphasize: the root problems began in 2020, with Wolfe, Tillman, and Cloven, and their political games.
This is why Clayton Watch was formed.
Residents had seen enough. The city was deteriorating—financially, physically, and operationally. While services crumbled, political games dominated. From a mismanaged budget to overgrown landscapes and disappearing accountability, the signs were clear. Clayton Watch stepped forward to expose failures, cut through the spin, and fight for a better future.
We support this Council’s continued work to rebuild trust and move the city forward. We urge residents to view the Grand Jury report not as a roadmap, but as a reminder of how far we’ve come—and what we must never return to.
Sincerely,
The Clayton Watch Team
Political Action Committee
P.S. For those unfamiliar:
1. Anyone can file a Grand Jury complaint anonymously and without providing evidence.
2. To serve on the Grand Jury, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, and a Contra Costa County resident for one year.
3. No background in law, finance, or public service is required.
Keep that in mind before treating their recommendations as gospel.
To read the Grand Jury report, click on the following link. https://www.cc-courts.org/civil/docs/grandjury/2024-2025/2505/2505-SmallCityBigConcerns.pdf
Upon reviewing the civil grand jury report and noting its inaccuracies, I find myself in agreement with the conclusions presented. It appears that the vocal majority is exhibiting behavior that is increasingly unhinged, suggesting that Mayor Kim should resign. This assertion is unfounded, as she was neither in a leadership position nor a member of the council during the events in question. The consistent factor in this situation appears to be Ms. Tillman and her associates, including Ms. Steiner, who has not published a paper in the last six years without referencing Ms. Tillman. This pattern raises legitimate concerns regarding their motives. It seems that Tillman, Steiner, Cloven, and Prebula approached the civil grand jury with a complaint centered on a trash issue due to their dissatisfaction with outcomes. I propose that a more constructive resolution should be sought, rather than allowing these individuals to perpetuate further discord within the community.
ReplyDeleteTamara worships Holly. It’s beyond cult like. She glorifies Holly for everything. You and I can walk it’s not a big deal, but if Holly can walk, Tamara will say Holly is so courageous for walking, and burping, passing gas! Tamara Steiner is how Chris “tingles up his leg” Matthews was with a now washed up past president. We should call Tamara: Tamara Tingles Up Her Leg For Holly Steiner.
DeleteThe "civil" grand jury provided zero evidence they did any "investigating." It sounds like they regurgitated Tamara Steiner and Holly Tillman's complaint. Clayton Watch should have also mentioned that 2 departures of permanently hired city managers happened in 2019 under the majority of Julie Pierce, Tuija Catalano and Carl Wolfe. That majority was also supported by Tamara Steiner. All this grand jury report is, is another attempt to blame Jeff Wan and Kim Trupiano for things that happened BEFORE they had the majority. The departure of 3 permanently hired city managers happened under majorities Tamara Steiner loved. Only one departure happened under the current majority. That's why the "scathing" (as Tamara Steiner puts it) report doesn't name anyone. If it did, Tamara's friends would have a lot of explaining to do. What's even worse, is we have a good permanent staff that has been here for a year but Tamara Steiner and Holly Tillman are looking to disparage them. For weeks they have been working on the budget discovering egregious errors that go back to Reina Schwartz. Tamara Steiner hates Jeff Wan and Kim Trupiano so much, she and Holly Tillman resorted to the last trick they can, law fare. They will now yell and scream for a couple of weeks. For many of us, the reaction is: YAWN.
ReplyDeleteExcellent response. Folks see “Grand Jury” and assume (really bad idea) that it’s golden. NOT.
DeleteExcellent response, and oh, so true. I vote to send Holly and Tamara on a SpaceX rocket to get lost forever. They have done nothing but disparage this town.
ReplyDeleteMaybe they can take their husbands with them. We can only hope.
DeleteThank you Clayton Watch for caring about our city. We will be sending you a donation. Keep up the good work!
DeleteBest news source around according to my wife. I’m now starting to believe her.
DeleteTamara’s article caused several real estate transactions to fall apart last year. No real estate agent with any common sense should advertise in her newspaper as all she does is try to damage the product they are selling, the town of Clayton. Unless her friends from CBCA are on the council she will malign the town endlessly.
ReplyDeleteUntil Tamara gets her act together, those real estate agents should stop advertising with her rag paper. If you go woke, you go broke.
DeleteTamara’s article mentions Clayton Watch right off the bat. The report isn’t about Clayton Watch nor does it ever mention Clayton Watch. The folks at Clayton Watch should be pleased they live rent free in Tamara’s head! You guys must be taking away readership from her. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteExcellent Analysis - leads me to two questions with Schwarz and Prebula gone why does the City Attorney still have a job. At a minimum we should be asking that she be replaced by their firm? And, did the employee that left because of their DUI have a role in the indictment given their long-standing political powers? Seems to me there are more shoes to drop.
ReplyDeleteThis article does nothing more than state the truth. The Clayton Pioneer only prints one distorted view which many times has no bearing on the truth. Another great job by Clayton Watch!
ReplyDeleteSplendid response to the grand jury “investigation”. Anyone who has followed our local politics the past few years knows the jury was misled and used as a weapon. Clearly, it was Tillman, Prebula, Cloven, and Steiner who fed the jury bogus lies. Losers trying to sabotage our current leadership and destroy the progress being made. .
ReplyDeleteI posted on the Clayton Pioneer Facebook page that Tammy Steiner should publish Clayton Watch’s response to the grand jury report. She is refusing to do that. So I said she is a coward. She has now blocked me from her site.
ReplyDeleteThe war is on! I will not be silenced by a crazy and narcissistic woman who believes only her perspectives matter. Shame on her!
She was demanding to know why Clayton Watch had not responded, the response comes in and she blocks it. Typical Tamara!
DeleteThis entire report and lead up years of abysmal management absolutely reeks of politics. Are we trying to manage Clayton as a city or some groups little fiefdom? I'd like to know who exactly filed for this Civil Grand Jury? Can that be researched?
DeleteI'm very glad we have some of the newer members of council and staff that are putting Clayton back together. With so many budget, finance backround, and outside eyes involved we will be sound again.
We're neighbors for goodness sakes.
Cat V
Clayton Watch does a great job listing the facts something the Clayton Pioneer is unwilling and unable to do.
DeleteThe read of the report, the wording used, and the holly slip of the tongue in Januay with the statement “some residents will eat crow,” we can all surmise it was Holly, Tamara, cloven, and most likely prebula
DeleteThat’s what Tamara call fair and balanced. We can do better Clayton.
DeleteIt was all over social media, they all wanted a response from Clayton Watch. Now that the response is out, they’ve all gone into hiding. Interesting
DeleteSo true! Cowards who can’t handle the facts and scatter when challenged.
DeleteIt does appear Prebula submitted the complaint. He certainly had the motive.
DeleteDid anybody ever locate the $50,000. There should be a paper trail and the culprit caught. I understand from talking with my sources, that Holly Tillman thought it was an inside job. Why hasn’t anybody followed up on this. Mike and Cathy D
ReplyDeleteIn the state of California that’s called catch and release.
DeleteHere’s a theory, who would have the most reason to make 50k disappear from the city bank account, make sure it isn’t detected for months then fail to investigate and just file a claim? Perhaps someone who knew they were going to quit soon and not be employed for a while. Do a little digging and you will figure out who it was that resigned and was out of work for a while. Of course the mayor at the time was Peter Cloven. He never inquired because playing bocce ball and being greeted by name at Art & Wine was more important.
DeleteI heard the same thing. Did they ever catch the person and was the money returned. It’s my understanding that the insurance company covered the fraud. If so,, did anybody ever do an internal investigation to find out who had access to the banking information? If not, why not. - Bill the Banker
ReplyDeleteI would accept nothing less from this website. Can't even take a loss without providing bogus facts. Enjoy the limelight while you have it.
ReplyDeleteI am typically a proponent of ClaytonWatch, but this was a hard read. The pointing of fingers back to the jury saying that it doesn't really mean anything kinda irked me. Clayton is in shambles and we all can agree on that. It is going to take 1 leader to take this city back to what it was and I don't think anybody on the council is capable of that no matter which political way you think. And I will say one thing that I never thought anyone would say here on this website..Ed M, you might be right this time.
DeleteEd m, can you read? That report is a waste of time, as is the paper on which it was printed. It only proves that your buddies Tillman, Cloven, Wolfe, and Prebula did less than nothing at the helm of Clayton. Crawl back into the sewer you came from
DeleteI agree. Almost a cringe read. Love this site but at times the authors sound like they might come off as bullies and they never do anything wrong. Can we call come together to better this once amazing city? I think we would all want to be in the news for something great and not something like this.
DeleteTillman is the archetypal bully, and her relentless pursuit of division in our city is undeniable. She continues to fuel an atmosphere of hate, aided by her ally Tamara, who runs our only local paper and seems obligated to mention Tillman in every issue. The real question is: why are these two women so dedicated to undermining Clayton? Is Tillman driven by a desire to portray herself as a hero? It’s impossible to be the hero of a story when you’re the one instigating contempt and strife. The city council has never been as dysfunctional as it has become since Tillman’s arrival. She is not a savior; she manufactures problems and revels in the chaos it creates.
DeleteIt’s laughable that her most devoted supporters fail to see that she is using them for her own gain. Tillman may talk a big game, but she produces little to no tangible results. She doesn’t realize that the very people she steps on to advance her agenda will be the ones she encounters on her inevitable downfall. To any of her so-called political friends out there, take heed: Tillman is an outright liar, a manipulator, and a troublemaker who will exploit anyone for political gain. She will throw anyone, especially non-African Americans, under the bus without a moment’s hesitation. Yes, I said it—Tillman engages in reverse discrimination and wears it like a badge of honor!
The report is a perfect example of the Hegelian Dialectics formula of problem, reaction, “solution” always seems to be the go-to of these journalists who according to the Civil Grand Jury Foreperson, Peter Appert, at the Board of Supervisors 2-25-25 meeting have lost 80% circulation in last few years. Interestingly, the BOS was also investigated by this jury for the same-- administrative issues. 'Civil Grand Jury' is a boogeyman to grab attention, why in 2022/23 Clayton and 20 other cities in this county responded to an 'investigation' so this is not our first rodeo and the sky is not falling! And, that bar graph is disingenuous...
ReplyDeleteAt this point, it is unacceptable that local real estate agents, brokers, and businesses are not standing up and boycotting the pioneer. I refuse to advertise in a publication that continuously undermines our community. The time has come for Tamara to face the consequences of her actions and for Holly to be recalled. Their disdain for Clayton is evident in everything they do, and their supporters resort to name-calling whenever they run out of valid arguments. It’s time to take a firm stand against their vile and hateful behavior.
ReplyDeleteGrand Jury failed to include. For over 18 months, while Wolfe, Tillman, and Cloven held the majority, the city’s checkbook went unreconciled—a material weakness flagged by auditors under Ms. Schwartz’s watch. Yet during this period, these councilmembers pushed a $400 annual parcel tax while fully aware of financial disarray. At the same time, $50,000 in stolen funds from the city’s checkbook went undetected for more than six months. And Peter Cloven doesn’t want us to read the Clayton Watch write up? No wonder this guy is hated in town. He should take his pompous, everyone likes me attitude, and shove it where the sun doesn’t shine. One strange dude. One terrible politician….
ReplyDeleteOne thing that unites Tillman, Steiner, Prebula, and their followers is their unwavering belief that they’re right while everyone else is wrong. They constantly present their "interpretation" of the truth, which often strays far from reality. It's truly laughable that they continue to spread misinformation on social media, claiming we have an eight hundred thousand to one million budget deficit. The drunk blonde individual responsible for these posts needs to get informed and stop spreading false narratives.
DeleteThe Grand Jury report is not reliable in terms of facts, is legally misguided, and is poorly executed. It doesn't offer a solid foundation for any significant reforms or policy suggestions. Although civic oversight is crucial, this report detracts from that aim by focusing on sensationalism instead of truth. Investigations need to be based on facts, not incorrect assumptions. Fortunately, we have Clayton Watch to keep us updated. We owe a "Big" thanks to Gary, Bill, and the entire Clayton Watch Team.
ReplyDeleteCheck this out https://www.jeffwanforclaytoncitycouncil.net/2025/06/on-grand-jury-report-regarding-clayton.html
Deletehttps://www.jeffwanforclaytoncitycouncil.net/2025/06/on-grand-jury-report-regarding-clayton.html
DeleteEven more troubling, it appears someone put them up to this investigation. Something smells. Why were the concerns and questions raised by Clayton Watch completely ignored? This omission raises serious doubts about the integrity and objectivity of the entire process. We can all thank Tamara Steiner and the Clayton Pioneer!
ReplyDeleteIt was ignored because this website complains so much it falls on deaf ears.
DeleteDennis W. I don’t think this website makes complaints. I think it features information and facts for the reader to make their own determination over. Some of the points and Information are quite eye-opening. I might suggest that you take your blinders off.
DeleteWhen I read that Clayton was investigated by the Grand Jury I said someone is going to jail. Then I read the Clayton Watch report and they said it is a Civil Grand Jury and someone with sticky fingers took $50,000 from the city. Now I believe someone needs to go to jail. I don’t know much about politics, but I think Cloven was the top dog at the time and did nothing about it. Why? I think he has some explaining to do.
ReplyDeleteHe was to do nothing mayor. Rather than balance the budget, he wanted to tax us first. What a clown. And Tillman isn’t too far behind him.
DeleteWhat Clayton Officials were interviewed by the Grand Jury on the points made in this investigation? Anyone know?
ReplyDeleteGood question. Now that the grand jury report has been released, I understand the secrecy around who was interviewed no longer applies. That’s what was communicated to me by a local official.
DeleteWith that in mind, does anyone know which Clayton officials—elected or appointed—were interviewed as part of this investigation? Since Tamara Steiner the owner of the Clayton pioneer and councilmember Holly Tillman were calling for an investigation it’s only fair to assume they’re the ones that caused this mess and/or investigation.
More information should be coming out soon, and transparency is important for everyone in the community. The recent write up by councilmember Jeff Wan is pretty eye-opening. Whoever filed the complaint did so with the intent to cause our city harm. I think you can review Jeff WAN’s write up on his Next-door account. Just type in and search for Jeff Wan.
You can read it here. https://www.jeffwanforclaytoncitycouncil.net/2025/06/on-grand-jury-report-regarding-clayton.html
DeleteMy suggestion would be to start with Holly Tillman and Tamara Steiner. Thanks, Brian
DeleteFuck the passing of that geological tax! Let's see a write up about that!
ReplyDeleteSince you were the first one to comment on this subject. Have at it. Many of us will be awaiting your reply.
DeleteI was surprised more people didn’t vote. Maybe they don’t care and maybe they think someone else will solve the problem for them. Great job City Council. And a big thank you to Kim and Jeff for getting it done.
DeleteBullshit. You can pay my portion then, Jeff and Kim.
DeleteI'm part of the GHAD and I had reservations about the additional tax. However, I recognize that our community has expressed a desire for improvements, and it's important to acknowledge that change is necessary for progress. While I understand the frustration that some residents feel, I believe it's crucial to focus on constructive dialogue rather than expressing anger. Let’s work together to find viable solutions that benefit everyone instead of dwelling on the challenges.
DeleteThe Civil Grand Jury investigation was a total witch hunt by the Pioneer and Holly Tillman in an attempt to destroy our town. While they are patting each other on the back in is crumbling before their eyes. Holly should be recalled.
ReplyDeleteIf you saw her in action last night at the council meeting, you would swear she’s on some kind of personality drug. One strange person.
DeleteTillman clearly panders to the camera. It's obvious she has specific individuals in mind while putting on this act; it certainly isn’t for the benefit of the residents of Clayton.
DeleteAs a previous member of the CCC Civil Grand Jury (GJ), I will say that the GJ speaks as one. In a nutshell, it is made up of 19 members of CCC, all volunteers, for a term of one (1) year. The GJ receives upwards of 50 written complaints. All are reviewed, and each investigated independently for merit. For a complaint to move forward, a unanimous affirmative of all 19 members must occur. An interview of the complaint(s) must occur and the results presented to the 19 members must occur. If there is one dissent, the complaint is tabled. The GJ is setup into several committees, city, law, county, etc. If the complaint is approved by all 19 members, then an initial list of interviewees are established and letters/email sent requesting availability, time and location. All elected officials are required by law to be interviewed by the GJ, if requested. Some agree without hesitation, some need to be reminded of the law, some need to be subpoenaed. Additional interviewees may be identified as a result of the initial interview, and those are also scheduled and conducted. These interviews are very interesting. Many are free and open, some interviewees have complete lapses of memory, some are combative. Requests for information (RFI) are requested and received. The interview process is exhaustive, sometimes interviewing the same, several times for clarification, or further details. This takes many months. Once the interviews are completed, a draft report is written, edits are made, report is rewritten and more edits. All of this is done under the supervision of an assigned county attorney. Once approved by the county attorney, the report is sent to the entire GJ for their unanimous approval. More edits and rewrites. Then on the presiding judge. More edits, more rewrites may occur. Final approval and signoff by the presiding judge is then made and report released. The GJ has "no dog on this hunt". The report presents the facts as presented to GJ committee and unanimously approved by all the GJ and county officials. GJs have reported many good things and commended many county organizations for their work for the citizens of Contra Costa County. Many reports, not so much. But those are the facts presented to the GJ. Again the Contra Costa Civil Grand Jury speaks as one, not just one. The GJ is not just from one city, one county agency, but from all parts of this county. GJ members receive a stipend for mileage and meetings, weekly GJ and committee meetings, but not the 30-40 hours a week spent investigating, writing, and having non-scheduled meetings. If this sounds like something you would like to do, volunteers are always welcome. You may be surprised at what you may find through the work that you do
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your experience, but your response unfortunately misses the mark.
DeleteWhile you provide an overview of general grand jury procedures, what’s glaringly absent is any direct response to the specific issues raised about the recent report. You don’t address a single piece of misinformation that has been publicly identified—such as inflated numbers of city managers, questionable sourcing, or the biased and inflammatory title of the report itself.
Your portrayal of a unanimous, objective, and airtight process simply doesn’t line up with what many Clayton residents are seeing. To suggest that 19 members unanimously approved every detail doesn't negate the possibility of bias or external influence—especially when public records suggest involvement from individuals with a clear political agenda.
Frankly, the idea that such a tightly controlled and error-free process could produce a report riddled with inconsistencies is hard to believe. Procedures on paper don’t always reflect reality, and claiming otherwise without addressing the actual content concerns only undermines confidence further.
If the Civil Grand Jury wants to retain public trust, it must engage with legitimate criticism—not just recite how the system is supposed to work.
Unfortunately for you and some of your readers, it does hit the mark. It appears that you wish to know who the GJ interviewed, what questions were asked and what the responses were. The pure tenant of the GJ is the aspect of being anonymous, to be able to speak freely, not being quoted and not being identified. This opens to free and open dialog without fear of ridicule and retribution. Trust that not just the complaint(s) was interviewed. Dozens were probably interviewed including elected officials and private citizens. The GJ works with the responses and information given, just as ClaytonWatch does with RFIs and responses. One can question semantics or spelling. The GJ does not pull information out of a hat. There is also something called "the Grand Jury Effect". The organization circles the wagons, in some cases discuss amongst themselves and try a to make better than what was not. Many investigations have resulted in this. And while improvement is the desired effect, there is evidence of prior dysfunction, and that is what is documented. Dysfunction, mismanagement, personality conflict, whatever it is, should be documented. It is good to see and read that the city of Clayton is moving forward to the better. But to say that Clayton was moving in a good and positive direction prior, was like putting blinders on a horse. So in this case, the GJ report was good. Instead of fighting it, work with it and help make Clayton a better place. The people of Clayton deserve better as a whole. Hear all their voices. GJ reports have helped improve services, organizations, and cities for the better.
DeleteThank you for your lengthy response, but once again, it fails to address the core concerns raised.
DeleteYou speak of facts, yet the Grand Jury report contains multiple mischaracterizations and demonstrable inaccuracies, and those remain uncorrected. You mention "semantics or spelling" as if those are the only issues being raised. That’s dismissive and misleading. The problems go far beyond word choice; they include factual errors, exaggerated claims, and conclusions that were not supported by transparent or accountable methodology.
Let’s be honest: the title of the report alone “sensationalized and prejudicial” undermines the objectivity the Grand Jury is supposed to uphold. That kind of editorializing would never be acceptable in a true fact-finding report. It sets a tone of judgment before evidence is even considered, and you conveniently ignore that.
You then hide behind the Grand Jury’s secrecy as justification for refusing to provide basic transparency. Yes, anonymity can encourage candor, but it should not be used as a shield against legitimate scrutiny, especially when a report causes public damage or fuels political agendas.
You claim dozens were “probably” interviewed. That’s conjecture, not confirmation. You claim elected officials were interviewed, yet several have publicly stated they were not. Again, we are left with vague generalities instead of accountability. “Trust the process” is not good enough when the process is being called into question.
You also refer to "the Grand Jury Effect" as if dysfunction must always be found, even if exaggerated or selectively documented. That’s not impartial oversight, that’s bias, plain and simple. And saying we should “work with” a flawed report instead of questioning it is absurd. If we don’t question false or misleading public documents, then we accept mediocrity and misinformation as the norm.
Yes, Clayton deserves better. That includes a Grand Jury process that is honest, fact-driven, and free of political influence or editorial spin. What Clayton doesn't need is a report full of sloppy conclusions, hidden sources, and evasive defenders who can’t “or won’t” answer direct questions.
So no — your response still doesn’t hit the mark.
Sincerely, Mr. Martingale, Retired College Professor
It should be noted that anonymity as the reason for honesty during interviews is a joke. The people interviewed are not under penalty of perjury. So along with anonymity they can make up any story they want without consequence. How did this grand jury get the facts on the finances so wrong? Whose testimony did they take as hard fact without checking the facts on the city website? It tells us all that groupthink and political bias were the real factors. Finding the jurors names isn’t difficult. The politics of the few that have been identified so far are very left of center with ties to BLM and other radical groups. Holly Tillman found a jury of group thinking sympathizers who did no research at all and accepted her lies as facts.
DeleteThank you for your response Mr. Martingale. I can not address all your concerns as the GJ report is not a thesis that relies on person's name, quotes and footnotes. That destroys the anonymous nature of the investigation, much like a news reporter refusing to name sources. Being part of a previous investigation such as this, ALL parties, meaning ALL CC members during the time, were interviewed. Including previous CC members as well. If they say no, well what can be said. As well as current and previous city staff members. Those individuals don't need to say anything about their inclusion in the report. Unless those interviewed disclose they were interviewed, they will not be revealed, nor what questions asked and what their response were. Not the dates, times, when or where. You ask transparency, ask in a public forum, of the elected officials, ask what their responses were. You talk political agenda, politicians are elected on agendas, some are very public, some are very hidden. Some become apparent that those agendas are hidden through public discourse. At the time of this investigation, it was apparent that the CC was is disarray, the city was facing some serious issues. Take the time to review CC video meetings. Not just recently, but going back several years. It will take dozens, nay, hundreds of hours. Instead of attacking the report, spend the dozens of hours researching other periodicals besides ClaytonWatch, or the Pioneer. Ask the direct questions about CBCA, Olivia, moral, job satisfaction, job turnover, interpersonal discussions. Play hardball. It seems that during the investigation, things were changing for the better. Hence the "Grand Jury Effect". It's the, "oh shoot someone IS looking at us, maybe we should clean up". The GJ report is what it is. Agree to disagree
DeleteClayton Watch has many videos of Holly Tillman and her asinine accusations. Many of us have reviewed the videos. The city is not in disarray but Holly Tillman, Peter Cloven and Tamara Steiner want you to believe that. Many have claimed that the videos right here on Clayton Watch of Holly Tillman taken directly from the city website are deep fakes. There’s no debating with people like you because when presented with facts you point to something else. The so called civil grand jurors are the same. If you take the report as fact and claim to have been a past civil grand juror, I rest my case, all it takes is you can fog a mirror and regurgitate whatever some progressive tells you in an anonymous interview.
DeleteYou can check them out here. https://www.claytonwatch.org/p/holly-tillman-in-action-her-words-not.html
DeleteThe proof is out there! Open your eyes, clear the liberal progressive sludge from your brain, and look at facts, not hyperbole!
Delete