Concord, California – A former member of the Concord City Council is calling for a reset in leadership, urging a current councilor to step back from what she describes as personal attacks and divisive alliances. Karen McNamara, who served on the council for multiple years, voiced her concerns in a recent statement, arguing that the current climate is detrimental to the city’s progress and erodes public trust.
McNamara’s call to action centers on the conduct of the councilor representing Ward 5, though she does not name the individual directly. She alleges a pattern of personal attacks against fellow council members and collaboration with individuals promoting what she terms “conspiracy rhetoric.” This behavior, she contends, distracts from the core responsibilities of the City Council – infrastructure, public safety, and fiscal responsibility – and hinders the ability to address the everyday concerns of Concord residents. The focus, she believes, should be on collaborative governance and a commitment to factual accuracy.
The Council-Manager Form of Government in Concord
Concord operates under a Council-Manager form of government, a structure utilized by over 300 cities in California, according to the City of Concord’s website. In this system, the City Council serves as the governing body and is responsible for hiring a City Manager, who oversees the day-to-day administrative functions of the city. The Council as well directly hires the City Attorney, who provides legal counsel. This structure is designed to balance political leadership with professional management.
The Concord City Council is comprised of five elected members, each serving a four-year term. Regular meetings are held on the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Tuesdays of each month, and are broadcast on local television channels: Comcast Channel 28, Wave Channel 29, and U-verse Channel 99. Agendas and minutes are publicly available, fostering transparency in the decision-making process. The Council also functions as the Board of Directors for the Concord/Pleasant Hill Health Care District (CPPHCD) and the Board of the Local Reuse Authority, with items related to these bodies appearing on regular City Council agendas.
A Plea for Collaborative Leadership
McNamara’s statement emphasizes the importance of collaboration and respect within the City Council. She argues that public service demands a commitment to strengthening the community, not fracturing it. “We may not always agree, but we must conduct ourselves in a way that reflects the dignity of the office and the expectations of the community we serve,” she wrote. She specifically urges the Ward 5 councilor to “reset,” disengage from divisive influences, and return to the work of governing.
The call for a change in approach comes at a time when many local governments are facing increased scrutiny and polarization. The ability to address complex challenges – from infrastructure improvements to public safety concerns – requires a unified and focused council, McNamara suggests. She believes that “theatrics and grievance politics” are counterproductive and ultimately harm the residents of Concord.
Currently, the Concord City Council consists of Mayor Laura Nakamura, Vice Mayor Dominic Aliano, Councilmember Carlyn Obringer, Councilmember Pablo Benavente, and Councilmember Laura Hoffmeister, as listed on the city’s official website. The composition of standing committees, which make recommendations to the City Council, is reassigned annually following the reorganization of the council at the end of each calendar year.
Looking Ahead for Concord
McNamara’s statement serves as a pointed reminder of the responsibilities that approach with public office. She advocates for a return to “serious, collaborative, and grounded” leadership, emphasizing the need for a City Council focused on the practical needs of Concord’s residents. The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is set for Tuesday, March 10th, 2026, providing an opportunity for the council to address these concerns and demonstrate a renewed commitment to collaborative governance.
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