Seaside city councilmember releases statement amid controversy

Seaside city councilmember Kayla Jones has released a statement regarding two investigations she is involved in.

At last night’s meeting where Jones was not present, the council spoke about one investigation being launched after Jones made allegations of sexual harassment from the council, the second investigation will look at Jones’ spending of city funds.

Her statement is as follows:

Governance should reflect the community it serves. Public service should never be limited to the retired, wealthy, or child-free, especially in a community with so many low-income families.

That’s why I’m grateful that my City Council unanimously passed family-care reimbursements for Councilmembers “while in the line of duty” in 2017. Progressive policies like that empower everyday people to run for office and win, knowing that we won’t be spending thousands of dollars during our term to work for our residents. For example, prior to this policy, I spent $2,300 out of my own pocket to receive a three-day mandatory training for newly elected officials. I could not afford to serve on the Council without this policy.

Serving on the City Council is basically a volunteer job. My stipend minus healthcare is $161/month. I put in an average of 100 hours a month into Councilmember duties.

Regarding my travel to attend four workshops and the trip to Texas to hire the Police Chief, I was away from my family for several days at a time. All of my activities were legitimate City business and were cleared by City staff. Any of the Councilmembers could have participated, but they chose not to.

I take my job as a Councilmember very seriously. Some training is required, and the learning should be ongoing. A City is better served if their elected officials attend workshops and conferences to stay current on the law and learn new ideas that can be brought back to the City. Everyone benefits from a broader perspective.

I consistently asked City staff if there were any procedures I needed to follow, and any paperwork I needed to complete. I did everything they asked me to do.

Lastly, on the issue of the sexual harassment investigation, I never asked for an investigation. I asked that the council as a whole receive sensitivity training around sexual harassment and gender diversity on boards.

– Kayla Jones, Seaside City Councilmember