Deltona, FL - Days after a surprise vote to oust Deltona City Manager Jane Shang, Deltona Mayor Heidi Herzberg goes live with Marc Bernier to talk about what led up to the vote.
It was early last week when the vote took place. But, the vote to fire Shang only secured four votes in support and three against it. In order for the vote to work, it needed 5-2 or a unanimous ruling. Those who voted yes were Herzberg, Commissioners Loren King, and Anita Bradford and Vice Mayor Victor Ramos. Instead, a no-confidence vote was made, which passed.
To better explain the motive behind the call to fire Shang, Herzberg told Bernier on Friday (January 24th) that the city needed a new direction away from Shang.
"It needs a type of leadership that is going to move us forward and not continue to get involved in controversial and emotional issues," said Herzberg.
Herzberg cited different issues such as a lack in communication between Shang and the commission. She also mentioned that employees brought up a "toxic atmosphere" that allegedly exists in Shang's office, which has resulted in the departure of some employees.
Another issue that was brought up during her interview with Bernier was a situation involving a firefighter accused of sexual harassment. In that situation, the firefighter will be allowed to retire after a year's suspension. Herzberg told Bernier that she didn't know about the problem until the Daytona Beach News-Journal reached out with a public records request about it.
"I just made my comments that this was a reason," said Herzberg. "Then the article came out two days later."
According to Herzberg, the city's guidelines states that the city manager must make the commission aware of problems that could affect policy, attract media or public attention or affect stakeholders.
