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Special Council Meeting Ends With ‘No Reportable Action’ on MALDEF
Monrovia Weekly Aug 19, 2016
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Mayor Tom Adams.
By Susan Motander
The Monrovia City Council held a special meeting on Tuesday to discuss the demand letter from MALDEF, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund. The letter was received last week by the city and alleges that the city was not in compliance with the California Voting Rights Act of 2001 by holding “at large elections” for city council, rather than by district.
Mayor Tom Adams opened the meeting and then called for public input on the only item on the agenda, the potential of litigation based on the MALDEF letter. There were only three people who responded to the call for input. After the public comments, the council adjourned to closed session to discuss a response to MALDEF. Meeting in closed session is customary when the council is consulting with the city attorney regarding potential litigation.
READ LETTER FROM MALDEF: Latino Legal Voice Questions Monrovia Election Policy
After more than an hour of discussion behind closed doors, the council returned and indicated that they had taken no reportable action, and continued the matter for further discussion to its next meeting in September. The MALDEF letter demanded a response by Wednesday Aug. 24.
Betty Thomas, who identified herself as a resident of Monrovia for 74 years and as a minority, said she felt that the city’s current system of “at large” elections of council member was adequate. “If you want to run for office, you can in Monrovia,” she said. “If you want to be involved, you can.” She urged members of the Latino community to “reach beyond their own culture.” She concluded by saying, “People need to get out and vote; they need to register and vote.”
Betty Thomas.
Chris Zeigler spoke as a former Monrovia resident and a former candidate for city council in the city. He said that when he ran for office he was approached by individuals who identified themselves as “leaders in the Hispanic community” and complained to him about issues they felt were not being adequately addressed by the city. He cited their concerns about the closure of a low-cost medical service provider.
Zeigler urged the council not to rush to a decision regarding the MALDEF demands. “Take a deep breath and listen,” he said.
Victor Castellano spoke up too, as he said, “clear my name.” He then denied that he had called MALDEF. He said that some people on social media had accused him of contacting the group. “I had nothing to do with it,” he said. “I would have talked to you guys,” he concluded.
Victor Castellano .
After the council session, City Manager Oliver Chi indicated that the city plans to contact MALDEF and discuss their demands while the council and city staff continue to study the issue.
What are your thoughts on MALDEF’s demand? Leave a comment below!
Photos by Terry Miller
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