Edgerly Investigation Frustrates Oakland Council Members

OAKLAND, Calif. (KCBS)  -- Despite Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums’ assurances that his embattled administrator is not retiring because of allegations she tried to protect a nephew from arrest, some on the city council believe the investigation into how Deborah Edgerly dealt with the police department lacks transparency.

“There are eight members of the council that should be briefed on any issue to the magnitude of this issue, and we’ve not been briefed to that extent,” said Councilman Larry Reid. He noted that personnel matters can be discussed in council sessions that are closed to the public.

On Tuesday, nearly a week after allegations surfaced that she tried to prevent police officers from towing a car that belongs to her 27-year-old nephew, Edgerly announced she would remain in her $250,000 job until July 31 and then retire.

KCBS's Bob Melrose reports

Police say William Lovan’s car, towed on June 7, contained a gun. He was arrested the following week as part of a crackdown on the Acorn gang, connected to 37 West Oakland homicides over the last three years.

Edgerly’s attorney dismissed the seriousness of police allegations that at the towing scene Edgerly told officers she was on the phone with the Assistant Police Chief Howard Jordan.

The police report indicates she also threatened to contact the department’s internal affairs department over the tow. Lovan works as a meter repairman for the city.

Councilwoman Pat Kernighan said the mayor needs to explain who is conducting the investigation, and when it will be concluded. “I don’t think it’s fair to the public or to other city employees to just, to not know the truth,” she said.

Speaking at a news conference Tuesday, Dellums said the administrator's retirement "is not a reaction" to the allegations. Edgerly maintains her family has asked her to retire for many years and she is now acceding to their requests.

Prior to the news conference Tuesday, Dellums sent a memo instructing city department heads to report directly to him, but both said Edgerly would continue to execute all of her duties as city manager until July 31.

Image of Deborah Edgerly courtesy of CBS 5.
(jro)