Woodside Town Manager Accused of Misconduct, Demands Buyout

Jason Ledbetter alleges harassment and corruption by town officials, prompting calls for investigation

Mar. 2, 2026 at 11:47am

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Woodside's town manager, Jason Ledbetter, has been placed on paid administrative leave after releasing a scathing 14-page whistleblower report alleging misconduct by the mayor, mayor pro tempore, and a council member. Ledbetter claims he was pressured to delay housing projects and discriminated against for being male. The town has disputed Ledbetter's demands for a $400,000 buyout, and an investigation into the allegations is now underway.

Why it matters

This case highlights tensions within Woodside's local government over housing development, allegations of discrimination, and questions about the relationship between town officials. The outcome could have significant implications for the town's leadership and policies going forward.

The details

In his whistleblower report, Ledbetter alleged that Mayor Brian Dombkowski and Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Goeld pressured him to delay housing projects, and that Council member Jenn Wall discriminated against him for being male. Ledbetter also claimed that Goeld made racist remarks about Council member Hassan Aburish. The town has disputed Ledbetter's demand for a $400,000 buyout, saying he asked for a partial buyout of his contract. The town has appointed an interim manager and will be investigating the allegations.

  • On February 19, 2026, the town announced that Ledbetter was placed on paid administrative leave.
  • On February 17, 2026, the town council was made aware of Ledbetter's whistleblower report.
  • On February 18, 2026, Ledbetter demanded the town pay him over $400,000 by February 20, 2026, or he would release the report.

The players

Jason Ledbetter

Woodside's town manager who released a whistleblower report alleging misconduct by town officials.

Brian Dombkowski

The mayor of Woodside who Ledbetter accused of pressuring him to delay housing projects and making derogatory comments about Council member Jenn Wall.

Paul Goeld

The mayor pro tempore of Woodside who Ledbetter accused of pressuring him to delay housing projects and making racist remarks about Council member Hassan Aburish.

Jenn Wall

A Woodside council member who Ledbetter accused of discriminating against him for being male.

Hassan Aburish

A Woodside council member who Ledbetter claimed was the target of racist remarks by Goeld.

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What they’re saying

“This shocked everyone involved. I have never seen anything like it. I tried my best to support (Ledbetter) and do whatever I could so he could succeed. It's very hard for everyone to put aside their personal reactions but our primary goal is to protect the town.”

— Brian Dombkowski, Mayor of Woodside

“If you know me, you know who I am, my character, integrity and commitment to doing good. The same is true of my elected colleagues, who also now bear the burden of these allegations. It takes a personal toll on everyone involved the council, our staff and the volunteers but the Town Council is unified in its response here.”

— Brian Dombkowski, Mayor of Woodside

What’s next

The town will be investigating the allegations made in Ledbetter's whistleblower report and plans to make public statements in the months ahead.

The takeaway

This case highlights the tensions and allegations of misconduct within Woodside's local government, raising questions about the town's leadership, housing policies, and commitment to transparency and accountability.