The Montebello City Council meeting on November 13, 2024, was marked by intense discussions surrounding campaign finance and the approval of contracts that raised ethical concerns among residents. Community members voiced their frustrations over perceived favoritism towards campaign donors, particularly regarding contracts with vendors linked to the local golf course and infrastructure engineering firms.

One resident highlighted the troubling connections between council members and campaign contributions from the vendor operating the golf course, questioning the ethics of approving related agenda items. This concern was echoed by another speaker who pointed out that the council had approved a contract with an engineering firm that has faced scrutiny for past bribery investigations. The speaker noted that despite warnings from state auditors, the council proceeded with the contract, raising alarms about the appropriateness of such decisions.

The discussions also touched on the significant amounts spent on campaign contributions, with one resident criticizing council members for prioritizing donor interests over the needs of struggling families in the community. The speaker emphasized that the funds used for campaign expenses could have been better allocated to assist residents facing financial hardships.

In addition to campaign finance issues, residents expressed dissatisfaction with the council's responsiveness to community needs. Concerns were raised about the lack of engagement from council members and the perception that decisions were being made without adequate input from constituents. The call for more transparency and accountability in the council's dealings with vendors was a recurring theme throughout the meeting.

As the meeting concluded, the overarching sentiment among residents was a demand for the council to prioritize the interests of the community over those of campaign donors, urging a shift towards more ethical governance and better communication with constituents.