Resident urges Riverside to make inspector general independent, names Jason Hunter

A resident who spoke during the public-comment portion of a special Riverside City Council meeting on July 21 urged the council to implement Measure L by creating an inspector general who is not appointed by the council. The speaker said the charter amendment passed on 11/05/2024 with about 65% of the vote and recommended that "a private citizen...in charge of that committee" be Jason Hunter.

The resident accused council members of long-standing mismanagement and called for an outside auditor and independent oversight. "We don't need somebody, hired from your guys' criminal background or your non oversight," the resident said, adding later: "We need some accountability to the theft of the money that you guys are stealing." The comment was not challenged on the record during the meeting transcript provided.

Other callers also addressed the inspector general process, with several urging care in how the new office will be funded and housed. Caller Pete Benavides said the city should take the time needed to structure the office and secure funding before making an appointment. "Whether you choose one this week or in weeks to come, I don't have a problem with the time you're taking to do this work, because this is a chance to get it right," Benavides said.

The council closed public comment and moved into closed session; when it returned the Mayor Pro Tem announced there was no reportable action.

The record shows residents pressing the council for an inspector general office that is independent in appointment and oversight. The council did not take a public vote on the office during this meeting and no formal action was reported at adjournment.