Town of Kearny Statement on Town Manager Employment
For Immediate Release
RE: Town of Kearny Statement on Town Manager Employment
The Town of Kearny, Arizona, began its search for a new Town Manager in May 2026. The position was advertised through standard industry channels, and the Town Council evaluated candidates over several months through a series of special meetings that included in-person interviews and deliberation.
The Council selected Carl Frank Alameda, whose experience and education exceeded the Town’s requirements, and he accepted the Town’s offer of employment. The Town performed a background check as part of the hiring process; it returned no negative information. Mr. Alameda’s start date was set for October 22, 2026, so that he could attend a previously scheduled meeting with the Town’s congressional representative on the Town’s water supply, the most significant risk facing the community. A special meeting to introduce him to residents had been planned for October 30, 2026.
On October 27, 2026, the Town learned through a resident’s Facebook post, which linked to news articles, that Mr. Alameda faces felony charges in California. Mr. Alameda was not in the office that day. On October 28, Mayor Stacy met with Mr. Alameda and confirmed that he is the defendant named in those charges. The Mayor immediately placed him on paid investigative leave pending a special Council meeting on his continued employment, scheduled for October 29 at 6:00 PM at Kearny Town Hall.
The Town acknowledges a significant gap in the process and policies that led to this hire. It will conduct a full review of its hiring practices and a root-cause analysis of this event and will revise its policies to prevent a recurrence. The Town is committed to full transparency throughout and encourages residents to attend the related public meetings.
Mr. Alameda was never given access to Town bank accounts or financial information, nor did he participate in any Town policy decisions. He has not been convicted of any crime and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
FAQ:
How was Mr. Alameda’s background check performed?
The Kearny Police Department conducts background checks on Town employees, a long-standing practice.
Why didn’t the charges against Mr. Alameda appear in the background check?
Mr. Alameda did not provide his full name or Social Security number on his employment application.
He has not been convicted of any crime and has no criminal record; he has only been charged.
Why was Mr. Alameda placed on leave if he has not been convicted?
The Town believes the allegations may have been material to its hiring decision had they been disclosed. The October 29 special meeting will allow the Council to consider whether they are material to his continued employment.
Did Mr. Alameda have access to Town bank accounts or finances?
No. The Town has robust, annually audited financial controls that prevent unauthorized spending or access to Town accounts.
When did the Town of Kearny learn about the allegations against Mr. Alameda?
The afternoon of October 27, 2026, through a resident’s Facebook post.
What actions did the Town take upon learning of the charges against Mr. Alameda?
On October 28, 2026, at 9:00 AM Mayor Stacy placed Mr. Alameda on paid investigative leave pending the outcome of the Special Meeting on October 29th, 2026.
What will the Town do to prevent this from happening again?
The Town Council and staff will hold public work sessions to identify the root cause and adopt policy changes to prevent a recurrence.
Curtis Stacy Mayor, Town of Kearny, Arizona