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Council hears six candidates for District 5 seat, continues appointment to Jan. 29 after public controversy
Summary
The Montebello City Council heard two-minute statements and standardized questions from six applicants for the District 5 vacancy on Jan. 22. Public commenters urged recusal, raised Brown Act concerns and debated a recent towing contract; the council continued the appointment to a special meeting on Jan. 29 at 6 p.m.
The City Council on Jan. 22 held public interviews with six applicants seeking appointment to the vacant District 5 seat and heard about a dozen public commenters before continuing the item to a special meeting set for Jan. 29 at 6 p.m.
The council invited each of the six qualified applicants — Rafael Santoya; Rocio Beru; Ricardo (Rick) Alonso Ugalde; Joseph Sanchez; William (Bill) Palisso III; and James J. Santana — to give a two-minute opening statement and to answer four council-selected questions about experience, priorities for District 5, balancing community needs with personal values, and how they would allocate $1,000,000 of general-fund dollars at city and district levels. Candidates emphasized public safety, economic development, park upkeep and neighborhood maintenance.
Public commenters urged different outcomes and raised procedural concerns. Several speakers supported Rick Alonzo and said he would represent South Montebello; others urged appointment of William Palisso and highlighted his civic work, including a local historical-resource nomination. Multiple speakers asked for more resident input; some urged a special election rather than an appointment.
Several residents requested that Councilmember Peralta recuse herself from the appointment due to prior campaign endorsements and donations to one applicant. Will Severo told the council, "I insist that councilwoman, Scarlett Peralta, recuse herself from voting process on the next city council meeting," and asked the city attorney to examine potential conflicts and public-records related to council communications. Other commenters raised Brown Act concerns and asked for full transparency in deliberations.
After candidate interviews and council discussion, Mayor Melendez opened the floor for nominations. A motion to appoint William Palisso received two affirmative votes and two negative votes and failed to carry. A subsequent motion to nominate James Santana failed to receive a second. Council then agreed to continue the matter and Mayor Melendez set a special meeting for Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 6:00 p.m. to finish the appointment process.
No appointment was made on Jan. 22; the council directed staff to post notice for the continuation and to provide the record of applicants and public comments to council before the special meeting.
