HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-06-2024_Open Session_General Comment_Suarez, VictorFrom:Victor Suarez
To:PublicComments
Subject:SPF violationMayor & City Council Public Comment (11/6/2024)
Date:Wednesday, November 6, 2024 2:29:47 PM
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Dear Mayor Tran,
As a member of the Latino community in San Bernardino, I am writing to express my deep
disappointment and concern over recent decisions that appear to prioritize personal agendas
over the welfare of our city and its residents. Your endorsement and strategic support of
individuals with questionable histories and divisive motives are, to say the least, troubling. Not
only have these actions come across as dismissive of the values our community upholds, but
they also suggest a blatant disregard for the democratic principles we all cherish.
Endorsing a candidate with a known record of racist behavior does not reflect the values of
inclusion and respect that our community deserves. The act of hand-picking such a candidate
for the city council appears self-serving and misaligned with the needs of a diverse city like
ours. It is particularly disheartening that you, as the leader of San Bernardino, would endorse
former City Attorney James Penman, whose past misconduct and attempts to sabotage Dr.
Treasure Ortiz’s reputation were unprincipled and deceitful. Your apparent willingness to
overlook such behavior for political gain does not go unnoticed.
Equally concerning is your support for City Manager Charles Montoya, who has exhibited
actions that prioritize personal interest over the city’s best interests. Ignoring the pleas of
residents who were racially insulted while praising Mr. Montoya’s leadership adds insult to
injury and has left a stain on your administration's relationship with our community.
Moreover, your role in facilitating former Mayor Valdivia’s misconduct while you were HR
Director raises serious ethical questions. It is appalling that, rather than promoting
accountability, you seem to be fostering an environment where self-interest and loyalty to your
power structure take precedence over integrity and transparency. Additionally, your backing
of recall efforts against council members unwilling to align with you reflects poorly on your
commitment to democracy and collaboration.
The residents of San Bernardino deserve a leader who values our voices over personal
ambitions. I urge the council to take a stand, not to be manipulated in this ongoing power
struggle, and to consider limiting the mayor’s influence to ensure our city’s governance
remains fair and just. San Bernardino is a city built on diversity, hard work, and resilience; we
must uphold these values and ensure they are not compromised by anyone’s political
maneuvers.
Thank you for your attention to these critical matters.
Sincerely,
Victor Suarez