Longtime public servant Johnny R. Ford was appointed Tuesday as Stockton City Manager, nearly 17 years after he was wrongfully terminated by the city.
Ford served as deputy city manager from 2003 until his termination in 2009. He was accused of using his influence to obtain free Stockton Arena tickets, but a subsequent investigation — conducted after his firing — cleared him of wrongdoing. The city paid him a roughly $250,000 settlement.
After City Manager Harry Black’s sudden resignation in January, Stockton launched a nationwide recruitment effort. Ford was one of 67 applicants for the job.
Ford’s enduring commitment to Stockton, in spite of how the city treated him, resonated deeply with city leaders.
“Johnny has lived here for many years, raised his family here, worships here, and has dedicated much of his life to serving this community. His heart is in Stockton, and I believe he is the person who can help bring this Council together so we can move our city forward,” said Mayor Christina Fugazi.
Ford brings nearly three decades of public service experience, and most recently served as City Manager of Compton. In selecting him, the city isn’t just gaining a seasoned administrator; it’s also welcoming someone who has demonstrated extraordinary loyalty and faith in his hometown.