Former Milpitas City Manager Tom Williams, who left in September amid allegations that he misused public funds, has been hired by the City of Millbrae. The council has voted unanimously to tap Williams as interim city manager. Former City Manager Marcia Raines retired this month after a decade with the city.
Tom Williams grew up in Millbrae and has lived there for more than 20 years. That intimate familiarity with the San Mateo County community helped his chances, said Councilman Reuben Holober.
Williams addressed some of the allegations dogging him back in Milpitas. (Click here for a re-cap.)
“I would never intentionally misuse public funds,” Williams said in an interview Thursday. The environment in Milpitas had gotten highly political, he added.
Millbrae officials don’t seem too concerned about the claims. The council hired a consultant to investigate. Their findings, said Councilman Holober, convinced them that many of the accusations against him are false.
Williams’ archnemesis in Milpitas, Mayor Rich Tran, responded to the news with a hint of snark.
“I’ll be praying for the people of Millbrae,” he said.