SerpApi.Org
Jackson County Legislator Manny Abarca said he was disappointed that he was voted out of his role as chair, but touted his accomplishments and recommitted to continuing his political career in a statement released Tuesday.
The statement comes a day after Abarca was voted out as Jackson County Legislative Chair on Monday after other legislators said they were concerned about different leadership styles and an agenda that seemed to be continuing to grow.
“While I am disappointed by the decision to remove me as Chair, I respect that leadership positions can change,” Abarca said. “I remain concerned about the direction of the Legislature and believe Jackson County deserves transparent, accountable, and effective leadership.”
“Ultimately, the power belongs to the people, and voters will have the opportunity in August to decide the future of this body,” he said.
Abarca had previously declined to comment on the ouster following Monday’s meeting, with his attorney, Shawn Lee, saying that Abarca did not have any statement to make at that time.
Abarca highlighted some of the work accomplished during Monday’s meeting before the vote took place, saying the Legislature approved millions of dollars in investments that had been developed over several months, including accessibility improvements and repairs to the courthouse, as well as infrastructure improvements around the county.
“We also approved funding for a COMBAT educational campaign that supports nearly $30 million in crime prevention, law enforcement, and drug task force initiatives,” Abarca said.
Abarca’s removal came just days after he publicly disclosed allegations of corruption, claiming he was offered $10,000 in campaign donations for a favorable vote.
Abarca is running for Jackson County Executive, but announced he would suspend campaigning to focus on the investigation.
Abarca said he’ll continue to promote “transparency and accountability in county government.”
“That commitment does not end because I am no longer serving as Chair,” he said. “The campaign continues.”
Abarca said becoming the first Latino chair in the history of the Jackson County Legislature is a milestone that no one could take away and he hoped the community is proud of what that represents.
“I am proud of what we accomplished during my time as Chair, including finalizing the property tax class action settlement and working with County Executive LeVota to advance reforms that protect taxpayers,” Abarca said.
Abarca had served in the role since January, when he was voted into the position by his colleagues.
Legislators frustrated with Abarca’s leadership
Legislators said after Monday’s meeting that the vote had to do with growing frustration over Abarca’s leadership style and handling of county business, and was not tied to the allegations that were made public last week.
“I think there’s been some general dysfunction in the body, and I think it would be helpful for us to have a new person in the chair,” said Sean Smith, who represents the 6th District, which encompasses eastern Jackson County.
Legislator Donna Peyton, who became chair during the meeting, said she believed the change would give legislators more opportunity to collaborate and ensure that each member’s voice was heard.
“What I think will be better is the ability for us to collaborate more, for each legislator to have a voice and have their voices heard,” Peyton said.
Abarca compared the vote to remove him as a coup during Monday’s meeting, saying that he had concerns over “several legislators and their complaints.” Abarca said he would refer those concerns as ethics complaints and allow that process to play out.
Seven of the eight legislators present at the meeting voted to suspend the Legislature’s rules and remove Abarca from the leadership position. Abarca abstained, and Legislator Venessa Huskey was absent from the meeting.
