HomeMy WebLinkAboutC, Maribel_Public CommentFrom:Maribel C
To:PublicComments
Subject:Opposing the Transition to an Appointed Mayor System
Date:Monday, February 2, 2026 4:08:04 PM
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To the Members of the San Bernardino City Council and the Citizens of San Bernardino,
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposal that would end the direct election
of yoir Mayor. Shifting the power to select the city’s highest executive official from the hands
of the voters to a vote by the City Council is a step backward for local democracy.
The Core Issues:
Voter Enfranchisement: The right to choose leadership is the cornerstone of a
community. Removing the mayoral seat from the ballot effectively silences thousands of
residents, making the executive branch accountable to a small circle of politicians rather
than the public.
Checks and Balances: A Mayor elected by the people provides a unique mandate and a
necessary check on the City Council. Under an appointment system, that independence
is lost, creating a risk of political "musical chairs" and backroom deal-making.
Transparency and Trust: For a city to thrive, residents must feel a direct connection to
their leadership. This change distances the community from the decision-making
process at a time when transparency should be the priority.
San Bernardino deserves a leader who has earned the trust of the entire city through a public
election. We should be looking for ways to increase civic engagement, not limit it. I urge the
Council to maintain the current system and respect the voters' right to choose their Mayor.
Respectfully submitted,
Maribel Ceja
Resident of Riverside, CA