John Doughty, the former top executive at a Monterey Bay
governing body that sets standards for everything from emissions to
housing construction, was ousted last week after a closed-door
session of the group’s board.
John Doughty, the former top executive at a Monterey Bay governing body that sets standards for everything from emissions to housing construction, was ousted last week after a closed-door session of the group’s board.
For the last 2 1/2 years, Doughty, a former top planner with the city of Watsonville, served as executive director of the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments, a regional coalition of elected representatives that assists with everything from transportation planning to regional job and housing forecasts.
An AMBAG official said Doughty was placed on leave. But the group’s board president, Scotts Valley City Councilmember Stephany Aguilar, said the search for a new chief is getting under way.
“We’re in the process right now,” said Aguilar, who declined to discuss the reasons for Doughty’s departure.
Doughty did not return phone calls seeking comment.
Doughty oversaw Watsonville planning during a period of rapid growth, grappling with nuts and bolts issues such as economic development, water supplies and road construction.
He left for AMBAG in 2008, where he was paid $160,000 annually.
AMBAG’s 25-member board is populated with city and county elected officials from around Monterey Bay. Citing personnel confidentiality rules, several declined to discuss last week’s decision, or did not return phone calls.
San Benito County Supervisor Anthony Botelho, who headed AMBAG’s board when Doughty was hired, also declined to discuss any specifics.
“John, I truly felt, served AMBAG very well,” Botelho said. “I certainly did like him. There’s no question about it. I’d better not say another word.”
Aguilar said AMBAG is looking for an interim replacement, and expects to hire an executive search firm to look for a permanent replacement.
She also said the board met Tuesday with AMBAG staff, and praised the organization’s rank-and-file workers.
“We have an exceptional staff,” Aguilar said.
