Compton City Councilman Isaac Galvan has levied some disturbing allegations against his colleague for what he calls “insulting” comments she allegedly made about his son during a marathon closed-session city council meeting.
The Compton city council convened on July 13 for a regular city council meeting. The closed session began at 4:30 p.m. and lasted for nearly four hours.
The item subject to the closed session was a temporary appointment for the position of City Manager.
“According to the charter, a current employee must resign before being appointed city manager,” said Robert Ray.
City Attorney Damon Brown stated “there was no reportable action” on the item, which continues to leave the city without its top executive.
“I will ask the Clerk [Alita Godwin] to re-agendize this item for the next council meeting,” said Mayor Emma Sharif.
The fireworks began at the end of the meeting, during council comments.
Councilman Isaac Galvan stated he wanted to alert the public as to why the council was in closed session for such an extended period of time, which also occurred during the July 6 meeting.
“I usually don’t say anything and don’t argue with my colleagues, but I draw the line with Councilwoman Michelle Chambers cussing me out for the last two weeks and calling my five-year-old son an “ugly wetback”,” said Galvan. “I believe she was drunk when she made this statement.”
Councilman Jonathan Bowers describes being subjected to similar behavior the week prior.
Related: Compton councilman finds colleagues behavior “unethical”
Chambers literally begged her colleagues to share with the public that she didn’t make those comments, and both the mayor and city attorney declined citing “potential” Brown Act violations.
The Brown Act would cover the agenda items only, not discussions regarding personal issues.
Chambers declared she wanted to file a lawsuit against Galvan for what she describes as “slander”.
During the July 6 meeting, Brown had a stenographer present to record the meeting, but it is unknown whether there was someone transcribing the July 13 meeting.
The public viewing the minutes described Chambers as “rude” and “aggressive” as we watched her constant interrupting of her colleagues during their comments, and at one point the mayor had to ask her multiple times to be quiet because she was speaking out of order.
“Michelle Chambers is childish and unprofessional, has a bad attitude and is disruptive and the antics she displays at council meetings is nauseating,” said Elizabeth Ramos.
“This is problematic,” said Rodney Lister, as he watched the chaotic scene unfold between Galvan and Chambers.
Neither Chamber nor Galvan could be reached for comment.
8 Comments
If that is what happened, it is inexcusable and should not and cannot be tolerated. In my opinion, Chambers and Galvan are useless and should resign. It is embarrassing to watch the circus on community T.V and I can just imagine a closed session. Good grief.
Well, well Michelle Chambers, let the people see who you REALLY are. Each Council person represents their District and the City, Michelle Chambers DOES NOT represent the people of the 1st District, or the Great City of Compton.
I am disappointed that this occurred. During closed session, there were others in the room. “What Say You”” ?
Mayor Sharif, you need the ability to mute those who are exceeding their speaking time and colleagues are disrupted. Mayor Sharif it is time to state what you are NOT going to tolerate and demand order.
Name calling and shouting should never be tolerated.
Apologize!
Michelle Chambers is a total embarrassment to women and public office.
She didn’t have to do a background check on Exxon; because she had it expunged when she was with Assembly Gipson.
Craig was played…now your first client can be the evil Michelle Chambers suit against Galvan for slander let’s see how that goes!
Chambers opposed request to deny Galvan’s appointment to mayor protem was the catalyst for Galvan’s rant. She is very disruptive, frequently interrupting the mayor’s attempts to conduct meetings. Chambers and Galvin’s mikes should have been muted. Thank you councilman Bowers for being representative of my district and an example of what the Compton citizens deserve. The appointment of district four’s council seat will speak volumes on what Compton politics are!
Michelle Chambers is showing her colors….you think are the mayor stop disrespecting Galvan, he call you out on your drinking; at least he own up to his behavior, you just keep trying to make him look bad.
News flash you are the one we see as a Jack ass; and you think we want you in the assembly; you are the Black Karen.
Girl bye!!!
Council meeting on Tuesday 13 at Zoom in Compton California: Show is Resident that we hire a few incompetent individuals who have constantly disrespected the Mayor and her colleagues and others Citizens was very angry with Listening to Michelle Chambers being Rude,Disrespectful,…It’s time for a complete though investigation on her . Check into her hiring a excon without any background check