THE board of directors of the Governor’s Developmental Disabilities Council on Tuesday asked its executive director, Tom Camacho, to resign within 60 days.
Camacho immediately sought a legal opinion from the Attorney General’s Office to determine the legality of the Council’s action.
AGO is investigating the issue, Camacho told Variety.
“The board asked me to step down within 60 days. My only comment is that it was without cause. I believe there’s impropriety on the board’s part,” Camacho said.
Camacho has been with the Council since 1993 and was named its executive director five years ago.
“I have no idea why they are doing this,” he said, adding that the community can attest to his dedication and commitment to his job and the Council.
Asked if the board’s decision was politically motivated, Camacho said: “I have no comment on that.”
However, Camacho acknowledged that he and Council Chairman Daniel Camacho had “differences” in the past. He did not elaborate.
Asked if he is related to the chairman, Camacho said: “I don’t know the man.”
He said personal relations should be set aside and the board “should stick to the merits of my professional work.”
Camacho added: “My personal relationship with him is irrelevant. I wanted to be treated professionally.”
According to the executive director, he will continue working for the agency while waiting for AGO’s legal opinion.
In a separate interview, Chairman Camacho said the board voted 12-4 to terminate the executive director’s contract.
The Council chairman said they did not mention the cause because they wanted to give the executive director more time.
He said if the cause was stated, Tom Camacho must vacate his post within seven working days.
The chairman said there was nothing illegal about the board’s action.
