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Heated public comments about council member’s social media posts prompt request for executive session to review code of conduct
Summary
A prolonged unscheduled public comment period over Councilmember Janette Garcia’s social media posts led Councilmember Max White to request an executive session to review whether the city’s code of conduct applies.
A lengthy unscheduled public‑comment period focused on social media posts by Councilmember Janette Garcia that referenced actor Tom Hanks and drew national attention. Dozens of speakers addressed the council in support of and critical of Garcia’s posts; multiple residents urged the council to address the matter under the city’s code of conduct.
Speakers critical of Garcia argued the posts used offensive language and brought negative attention to Avondale; some requested that the council intervene and enforce the city’s nonpartisan code of conduct. Several commenters filed written requests to speak in advance; speakers referenced social‑media screenshots, media coverage and third‑party amplification (a repost by an external account was cited during comments). Other speakers defended Garcia, saying her posts were being misread, citing free‑speech concerns and noting support for her public service.
After public comment, Councilmember Max White formally requested an executive session to determine whether the code of conduct was implicated and whether the council should take action. White summarized the public input as including four speakers in support, two neutral and eight in disagreement; he asked the mayor to convene an executive session to review the matter. Mayor Beneta responded that he would work with the city attorney and the mayor’s office to decide how to proceed with the request.
City staff confirmed the council may place the matter on a future agenda for formal consideration; no vote on discipline or code enforcement occurred at the meeting. Councilmembers said they were constrained from responding directly during unscheduled public comment but can follow the formal agenda and executive‑session process as allowed by law.
Council later moved on to routine agenda items; staff said the matter would be taken up with the city attorney and mayor’s office to determine next steps and any necessary agenda items for a future meeting.
