SAN BENITO — A town hall meeting tonight will help update residents on city projects and allow them to voice concerns.
City Commissioners Esteban Rodriguez and Tony Gonzales called the special meeting set for 5:30 p.m. at the San Benito Community Building.
Mayor Ben Gomez stated he will not attend the meeting because he believes it is politically-motivated.
Earlier this week, Gomez posted on the city’s website stating he believes the meeting was called to influence the May 5 election.
In the election, Rodriguez is seeking a second term.
“I believe that a town hall meeting so close to the elections in May would be inappropriate during what many consider is political season,” Gomez wrote Monday.
Gomez also states it would take a quorum of three commissioners to legally hold the meeting.
“Two city commissioners have called a special meeting for Thursday and we will post an agenda for it,” Gomez stated. “If three members of the city commission show up, it will constitute a quorum and a meeting in accordance with the posted agenda can legally be held.”
Rodriguez said the special meeting could be held without a quorum if commissioners do not take action on agenda items.
Rodriguez denied he and Gonzales called the meeting to sway voters.
“This has nothing to do with the election,” Rodriguez said yesterday.
Rodriguez, who called a town hall meeting last September, said he told residents there he would call a meeting in March or April.
Gomez did not respond to a message requesting comment.
“It’s his prerogative — that’s his personal view,” Rodriguez said. “This shows division. If you’re going to disagree it’s OK but if you’re going to disagree because of a personal issue, that can stop progress from moving forward.”
Rodriguez said he and Gonzales called the meeting to update residents on city projects and field their concerns.
“Tony and I feel that as elected officials it is our responsibility to be transparent and informative to the citizens,” Rodriguez said. “Town hall meetings are very important and informative to residents. We can listen to their concerns.”
At City Hall, spokeswoman Martha McClain provided this response to questions from the Valley Morning Star:
“City staff will not be commenting on the mayor’s statement or the meeting’s legality. Elected officials have civil rights, are entitled to due process and are accountable to the voters.”
Gonzales referred questions to Rodriguez.
Last September, Rodriguez and Gonzales called a town hall meeting in which residents called poor street conditions the biggest problem facing the city.
WHEN: Today at 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: San Benito Community Building
Agenda includes:
Update on city projects
Citizens’ questions and concerns