Jason Lee, a South Stockton native and recently elected District 6 councilmember, has been nominated to serve as Stockton’s vice mayor. Mayor Christina Fugazi announced Lee’s nomination Friday evening, and the City Council will vote to confirm his appointment at their meeting on Tuesday.
“Stockton is in my blood. I’m grateful to Mayor Fugazi for this opportunity and ready to fight for every person in this city,” Lee said in a statement. “Together, we’ll tackle public safety, homelessness, economic development, and youth programs to ensure Stockton’s voice is heard loud and clear.”
Lee defeated incumbent Kimberly Warmsley in the November election, representing Stockton’s south side with a landslide 15-point victory. If approved, he will succeed Warmsley as vice mayor.
Lee’s journey to the City Council is both inspiring and unconventional. Raised by a single mother, he overcame personal challenges to achieve significant success in Southern California as a Hollywood entrepreneur and founder of the news and gossip site Hollywood Unlocked. His career has connected him with celebrities such as Kanye West, Cardi B, and Kevin Hart, but his return to Stockton has been marked by a deep commitment to his hometown.
“Jason has done what many others have failed to do by having the people he represents be engaged, inspired, and empowered,” Mayor Fugazi said.
The vice mayor position, primarily ceremonial, includes duties such as leading City Council meetings in the mayor’s absence. Fugazi, who took office on January 1, has praised Lee’s “deep commitment and heart for the city.”
The swearing-in ceremony for Stockton’s new representatives, including Lee, Fugazi, and new Councilmembers Mariela Ponce and Mario Enríquez, will take place Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Bob Hope Theater. The public is welcome to attend.
This article is a summary of, "South Stockton’s Jason Lee nominated to be city’s Vice Mayor," by Cassie Dickman, published by Stocktonia.
