King City people defend city manager despite allegations

In a time of uncertainty and mistrust there was a different tune from those living in King City.

Tuesday, citizens stood up for their city amid allegations of police corruption. This, as the city conducted a performance review on the city manager, who many called on to resign.

City Manager Michael Powers sat quietly taking notes, listening to his constituents lift him up during public comment.

“He is not responsible for any of the alleged wrongdoing of our police,” a King City resident said.

A side to the story we haven’t heard yet. People saying–some of the six King City officers arrested were treated unfairly by the FBI and by the citizens of King City.

“I’m a small town boy myself,”said Bob Gauer who has lived in King City for 12 years. He says seeing how it only takes five minutes to get from one side of the city to other, a scandal travels fast.

“This is so small it encompasses everyone,” Gauer said.

Gauer says he’s on the fence. He wants to wait until he sees physical evidence of police wrongdoing.

Alleged victims are slowly stepping forward claiming the police department targeted low-income and undocumented immigrants as a part of a towing scheme. Last week a class-action lawsuit was filed.

“The majority of the citizens here in king city are Hispanic,” Gauer said. “To say that they’re being targeted, well the majority is going to feel the majority of the problem.”

As a result, more than 200 people signed a petition to get rid of Powers

“I don’t fear for my job,” Powers said. “I’ve never feared for any job.”