TULARE (KMJ) — Tulare’s City Council has voted in a new mayor, following posts the previous one made on social media appearing to criticize the ag industry.
In May, Carlton Jones wrote on Facebook that “ag strips the natural resources and contaminates our ground water and air.” At the time, he said it was one part of a longer thread, and in response to another post (click here to read more). The words were then shared on the ‘My Job Depends On Ag’ Facebook page.
The public outcry, specifically from the Central Valley’s ag community, sparked a vocal response. Jones maintained that the words were taken out of context, and even set up a meeting two weeks later to try and explain the situation.
Tuesday night’s Tulare City Council meeting saw numerous people stand up and explain their feelings about the situation. Jones himself took to the podium and addressed the other representatives.
“As long as you’ve been here you know that happy people don’t come to our council meetings. Mad people do, and there’s nothing wrong with that,” detailed Jones.
“I’m still waiting to hear what did I say that you disagree with.”
A motion was proposed by Council Member Jose Sigala to select a new mayor.
“I want to make sure that we continue to move forward and try to bring the City together,” said Sigala.
“First of all I’d like to say this isn’t about the ag. This is something I’ve been working on for months.”
Sigala directed a series of allegations towards Jones, describing them as unbecoming of a mayor.
“So I want to make sure we have the best leadership in our city.”
The motion to make David Macedo Mayor of Tulare passed unanimously, which included Carlton Jones’ vote for his successor.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
