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Residents split in public comment as council considers reprimand for Romero
Summary
More than 20 residents, former officials and a regional councilmember made in-person and online comments; speakers were divided, with some urging restorative approaches and others calling for firm accountability and removal from boards.
A large public comment period drew both defenders and critics of Councilmember Carlos Romero. Adam Lorraine, a member of the San Mateo City Council who said he had worked with Romero on regional boards, urged the East Palo Alto council not to strip Romero of his regional appointments: "I urge you to please allow him to continue his service for East Palo Alto and our county," he said.
Other speakers urged stronger action or highlighted the impact of Romero's words on residents. A former council member who spoke in favor of censure said the community "deserve[s] elected officials who treat one another with basic respect and integrity." Several residents and speakers called the proposed removal from regional boards disproportionate and warned it would reduce East Palo Alto's influence. Francisca Guzman, who had earlier criticized changes to the housing ordinance, said she opposed the reprimand being punitive while also acknowledging Romero's comments were inappropriate: "They were awful. They were inappropriate. He's human, and he's made a mistake. I would love for this city council to get healing."
Public testimony reflected a city divided over proportionality, representation and how to pursue accountability while maintaining community representation on regional bodies.
