National City appears poised to replace its city manager

National City Council Parts Ways With City Manager

The National City Council on Friday ousted the city’s top bureaucrat, terminating City Manager Benjamin Martinez’s three-year contract early because of what Councilmembers described as a series of management problems, including prominent personnel departures, a botched cannabis permitting process, a budget deficit and ongoing legal disputes. Councilmembers approved Martinez’s departure at a hastily called midday meeting that was opposed by one C…

National City appears poised to replace its city manager

National City officials will meet Friday in a special, closed session to discuss City Manager Ben Martinez’s employment and consider appointing an interim city manager, according to an agenda the municipality released Thursday. The personnel change would come as the City Council confronts a multimillion-dollar budget deficit, multiple lawsuits and major negotiations with the Port of San Diego over public safety services the municipality provides…