More than a dozen residents addressed the Bothell City Council during a study session last night, many of them using the opportunity to voice concerns over the May 3 firing of former city manager Bob Stowe.

At the start of the public comment section Mayor Andy Rheaume read a prepared statement.

“Council’s statements about moving in a new direction was limited solely to the leadership of the city,” he said. “Council remains committed to the economic development and growth that we have seen.”

Stowe was fired without cause, one of two reasons provided in his contract by which the council could terminate him.

Rheaume said the city’s legal department had reviewed the council’s decision and determined it was legal.

Being fired with cause, Rheaume said, generally implies misconduct.

“The council decided to release Mr. Stowe so that we could find a person with a leadership style more consistent with the leadership expectations of the current council,” Rheaume said. “We remain appreciative of his efforts during his tenure and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

Navy veteran and Bothell resident Ben Wiselogle took the podium to criticize the council on what he viewed as a poorly considered decision to fire the city manager of 11 years.

“The decision to fire Bob Stowe in the fashion that you did seems to be based on personal grievances and with no clear path forward,” he said.

Many others voiced concerns over a perceived lack of transparency regarding the council’s decision.

However, two speakers voiced praise for the council over their decision to fire a city manager, who they viewed as having consolidated too much power, including long-time Stowe critic James Barnhart.

“Bob Stowe had more power than you people could ever understand,” Barnhart said.

Stowe was fired last week while he was on vacation in a 5-2 vote following an executive session, with councilmembers Joshua Freed and Del Spivey casting the only dissenting votes.

No prior notice of a possible decision was given to the public, though the executive session was announced.

For more information, see previous Reporter coverage.