Tracey demands public appeal 

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The public will get a rare chance to examine the intricacies of a secretive Atascadero city staff disciplinary case. During a public appeal slated for August, Marty Tracey, Atascadero’s former deputy director of redevelopment, will fight disciplinary actions implemented by City Manager Wade McKinney . Typically these appeals are conducted in closed seasons. But Tracey, now working as the city’s redevelopment specialist, has demanded a public hearing. “I am not going to comment now,� Tracey says. “It is better for the facts to come out when they will count.�
 

# In November, the city council requested Tracey’s resignation due to allegations he threatened downtown property owners Pat and Sue Gaughan with eminent domain litigation if they refused to sell their property. A week later, due to improper noticing, the council revoked its earlier decision and reinstated Tracey, who was placed on paid administrative leave pending the results of an investigation.
 
After three months, Ron Scholar, a Scramento attorney, sent results of the extensive investigation to McKinney, who, according to city policy, decides on and implements staff disciplinary actions. Results of the investigation have not been released to the city council or the public. Tracey returned to work with a change in duties and a new title.
 
“I feel bad that Marty Tracey took all the blame for this when McKinney’s signature is the only one on many of the threatening letters,� says Pat Gaughan, who just last week submitted a $200,000 claim against the city. “He was doing what he was told. He is the sacrificial lamb.�
 
An arbitrator will make a recommendation after Tracey’s appeal. At that time both Tracey and council will have a chance to appeal the decision. “It will put the ball back in our court,� says Atascadero City Council member George Luna.