During a recent City Council meeting, a resident raised concerns regarding the attendance of Planning Commission member Brian Gutierrez at a candidate forum. Gutierrez had cited his deployment for disaster relief efforts related to Hurricane Milton on the East Coast as the reason for his absence. However, the resident pointed out a discrepancy, noting that Gutierrez had conducted a town hall meeting at Merrill Gardens just hours before the forum, which took place at Hurst Ranch later that evening.

The town hall meeting was scheduled for 2 PM, while the candidate forum began at 6 PM, leading to questions about the validity of Gutierrez's explanation for missing the forum. This situation has sparked discussions among residents about transparency and accountability within local government, as they seek clarity on the commitments of their elected officials. The implications of this incident may influence public perception and trust in local governance as the community navigates ongoing challenges.