Eggman vs Fugazi? Recall Comments Spark Mayoral Showdown Speculation
STOCKTON, CA – Just as the final gavel was poised to descend on last week's Stockton City Council meeting, Mayor Christina Fugazi, with the timing of a seasoned dramatic performer, paused to address a rather specific, unasked question: the potential for a recall. She helpfully informed anyone within earshot (and presumably, those listening intently on social media) that it would, indeed, require a rather daunting 17,000 valid signatures to force a special election. This unsolicited public service announcement, naturally, raised more than a few eyebrows, prompting the obvious query: who, precisely, is talking about recalling Mayor Fugazi?
The answer, if one were to consult the city's increasingly frazzled municipal staff, might begin with the name Steve Colangelo. His appointment as interim City Manager, a decision made with the Mayor's unwavering conviction despite Mr. Colangelo's notable lack of municipal experience, has reportedly been nothing short of a masterclass in administrative mayhem. The city has since been treated to a seemingly endless parade of "unnecessary errors" and "bad news cycles," each more bewildering than the last. Yet, Mayor Fugazi remains steadfast, maintaining that the Colangelo hire was, in fact, “one of the best decisions I have made as mayor.” Which, for those keeping score at home, inevitably raises a more profound question: was Christina Fugazi, then, the best decision voters made for mayor?
Adding another layer of intrigue to Stockton's perpetually unfolding political drama is the tantalizing new rumor circulating faster than a leaked closed session meeting: that retired State Senator Susan Eggman may be eyeing a run against Fugazi in 2028, or, should the stars align (and enough signatures materialize), even sooner if a recall is triggered. This would, of course, be an epic matchup, given that it was Senator Eggman herself who, way back in 2007, first got Christina Fugazi her start in the labyrinthine world of Stockton politics. Eggman, a seasoned political veteran, won her Stockton City Council election in 2006 and promptly selected Christina, whom she met walking precincts, as her planning commissioner – a decision one can only assume now elicits a quiet, contemplative sigh from the good Senator.
It was on the planning commission that Christina would forge a rather significant friendship with Sam "The Godfather" Fant, a figure whispered about in Stockton's backrooms as a behind-the-scenes political puppetmaster, often surrounded by the faint, lingering scent of corruption rumors and marijuana dispensaries. For a brief, almost heartwarming moment during the 2024 Mayoral campaign, it appeared Fugazi and Eggman had buried the hatchet, with the Senator even endorsing her former planning commissioner against termed out County Supervisor and "Slush Fund Extraordinaire" Tom Patti.
However, sources nestled deep within the 209 Times camp have, with a remarkable lack of discretion, leaked out this news of Eggman's possible mayoral run. Further cementing the suspicion, Motecuzoma "Motec" Sanchez, the 209 Times CEO himself, even launched a rather pointed "Throwback Thursday" hit piece on Senator Eggman just last week. One might wonder, why bother attacking a retired Senator? Ah, but then the dots connected: because you suspect she's going to run against Fugazi. And that, dear reader, is precisely why Mayor Fugazi felt compelled to bring up the rather specific number of recall signatures at last week's council meeting.
When questioned about the burgeoning recall whispers, Councilmember Mariela Ponce, seated a mere arm's length from the Mayor on the dais, was, regrettably, unavailable. Her aide, a man who looked like he'd just lost a very important bet, explained that the Councilmember "was not avoiding the press, but instead hasn't had a chance to call Motec to write her a statement."
From Protégé to Challenger: Eggman Rumor Fuels Fugazi Recall Frenzy
