HomeMy WebLinkAboutSenator Reyes_Public CommentFrom:Rizvi, Maha
To:PublicComments; Council; MayorsEvents
Subject:Public Comment Agenda Item No.1
Date:Monday, February 2, 2026 4:30:37 PM
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020226 SB Agenda Election Item Letter.pdf
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Good afternoon Mayor and Councilmembers,
Please see attached letter from Senator Reyes regarding Agenda Item No. 1- Proposed
Charter Amendment. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Maha
Maha Rizvi, MPA | District Director
Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes
California State Senate, District 29
301 E. Vanderbilt Way, Suite 400
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Ph: 909-888-5360
February 2, 2026
Mayor Helen Tran
City of San Bernardino
290 North D Street
San Bernardino, CA 92401
Councilmember Theodore Sanchez
City of San Bernardino
290 North D Street
San Bernardino, CA 92401
Councilmember Sandra Ibarra
City of San Bernardino
290 North D Street
San Bernardino, CA 92401
Councilmember Juan Figueroa
City of San Bernardino
290 North D Street
San Bernardino, CA 92401
Councilmember Fred Shorett
City of San Bernardino
290 North D Street
San Bernardino, CA 92401
Mayor Pro Tem Kimberly Knaus
City of San Bernardino
290 North D Street
San Bernardino, CA 92401
Councilmember Mario Flores
City of San Bernardino
290 North D Street
San Bernardino, CA 92401
Councilmember Dr. Treasure Ortiz
City of San Bernardino
290 North D Street
San Bernardino, CA 92401
RE: Agenda Item No. 1- Proposed Charter Amendment
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council:
I am writing to share my perspective regarding Agenda Item No. 1, which proposes directing
staff to prepare a charter amendment for placement on the June 2, 2026, Primary Election ballot
related to term limits, the elimination of primary elections, and the elimination of the directly
elected office of Mayor.
While I may support a form of the proposal to establish reasonable term limits for City
Councilmembers because this can strengthen accountability, encourage civic participation, and
help maintain public trust in local government; and while I may support a form of changes in
election structure that simplify the process to increase voter turnout; San Bernardino has a
Charter Review Committee established in 2017. This should be the first step in any proposed
charter changes.
On another note, please know that I oppose the proposal to eliminate the directly elected Mayor
of the City of San Bernardino.
San Bernardino is a large and growing city, home to more than 224,000 residents and is the 18th
most populous cities in California. Cities of this size and complexity benefit from strong, visible
leadership that is directly accountable to voters across the entire city. A full-time, directly elected
Mayor provides a clear point of accountability and serves as an essential advocate for residents,
businesses, and workers.
As the regional hub of the Inland Empire, San Bernardino plays a critical role in economic
development, transportation, housing, and workforce growth. Maintaining a directly elected
Mayor strengthens the City’s ability to compete regionally for investment, infrastructure funding,
and public-private partnerships, and ensures the Inland Empire has a strong and consistent voice
in state and regional decision-making.
While alternative governance structures may function for smaller cities, San Bernardino’s size,
regional significance, and ongoing efforts toward economic revitalization makes it necessary to
preserve our current model that allows residents to directly choose their chief executive. Doing
so supports voter choice and a stable, forward-looking leadership.
To note, any fundamental Charter changes, as mentioned earlier, of this scale should include the
elimination of primary elections and the removal of a directly elected Mayor, must be reviewed
through the City’s established Charter Review Committee. This nine-member body, created by
Resolution No. 2017-243, is specifically tasked with conducting a periodic review of the City
Charter, studying potential amendments, suggesting improvements, and, where appropriate,
proposing alternatives for public consideration. Utilizing this process ensures changes are
evaluated transparently, thoughtfully, and with meaningful public input before being placed
before the voters.
For these reasons, I strongly urge the City Council to reject any charter amendment that would
eliminate the directly elected office of Mayor and to refer any proposed charter changes of this
magnitude to the City’s Charter Review Committee before further consideration.
Thank you for your continued leadership and your partnership in serving the residents of San
Bernardino. I look forward to our continued work together on behalf of the Inland Empire.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (909) 888-5360.
Sincerely,
ELOISE GÓMEZ REYES
Senator, 29th District