McKinley Park Reopens; Vice Mayor Jason Lee Takes Victory Lap on Others' Work
STOCKTON, CA – The long-awaited reopening of McKinley Park in South Stockton has officially brought a wave of excitement, a renovated swimming pool, new playgrounds, and a fresh coat of paint to the community. But amidst the celebratory ribbon-cutting and joyous splash pad shrieks, a subtle, yet unmistakable, scent of political opportunism hangs in the air.
District 6 Councilman and Vice Mayor Jason Lee, the self-proclaimed "Voice of the People" and famed Hollywood podcaster, was front and center at the grand event last week, basking in the glow of cameras and community applause. Lee, who rode a wave of social media-fueled outrage into office last year, was quick to declare the park's revival a testament to "new leadership" and "getting things done." His enthusiastic pronouncements painted a picture of a park saved from the brink by his tireless, albeit largely unseen, efforts.
"We're making history together!" Vice Mayor Lee declared in a March Facebook post. "Stockton, they will say many things about me when I’m gone. The only thing I care about is that they say I got the job done."
The inconvenient truth, whispered by those who actually followed the multi-year process, is that the park's impressive $15.63 million renovation was a direct result of a sustained, multi-year effort that began long before Councilman Lee's tenure. The initial spark for the renovation was ignited in 2019 by former Councilman Jesús Andrade and Mayor Michael Tubbs. After Kimberly Warmsley was elected in 2020, she picked up the torch. Sources close to the project confirm that Warmsley worked tirelessly during her tenure on the council to obtain the necessary funding. By working with Senator Susan Eggman, Stockton was able to secure $13.75 million from the state and an additional $1.88 million from the City of Stockton Measure M funds. This wasn't an overnight miracle; it was a marathon of meetings, grant applications, and political maneuvering spanning multiple council terms.
"It was years in the making, starting with Jesús and then Kimberly really pushing it through," said one city official, who wished to remain anonymous to avoid the Vice Mayor's verbal abuse. "They got the ball rolling, they pushed for it, they secured the funds. Jason... well, Jason posted about it on Facebook."
Indeed, Councilman Lee's actual contribution to the park's physical transformation appears to have been limited to a few well-timed social media stunts during the campaign and, of course, showing up for the grand reopening with a smile and a ready soundbite. Yet, observing him at the event, one might believe he personally laid every brick and planted every tree. There was no mention, naturally, of his predecessors' pivotal roles.
And it seems the strategy is working. A cursory scroll through the councilman's social media reveals a chorus of praise from well-meaning residents, blissfully unaware of the project's long history. One resident commented, "Shoutout to Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee, not just for keeping his campaign promise, but for helping bring this project to South Stockton." Like clockwork, 209 Times couldn't help but spread undeserved praise: "The new mayor and city council continue to push full steam ahead in Stockton. Of special note is making sure long neglected areas like south Stockton are getting the attention it deserves." Lee's responses to this outpouring of misplaced gratitude are a masterclass in opportunistic modesty. To each unwarranted appreciation, he offers a simple, almost regal reply: "Thank you." No correction, no mention of Warmsley or Andrade, just a quiet absorption of credit, one comment at a time.
Councilmember Mariela Ponce was approached for comment on her council colleague's blatant Machiavellianism but due to an unforeseen flare-up of "Constituent-Driven Opinion Fatigue," she has been advised by her medical team to refrain from all forms of public statements until further notice.
As children gleefully splashed in the new water features and families enjoyed the revitalized green spaces, the irony was palpable. McKinley Park stands as a shining example of community investment and dedicated public service. It's just that, depending on who you ask, the credit for that service seems to be undergoing a rather convenient, last-minute rebranding. South Stockton, it seems, got its park back, and Councilman Lee got his photo op. A win-win, perhaps, depending on your definition of "win."
Vice Mayor Jason Lee Masters the Art of the Credit-Grabbing Hashtag
