NATIONAL CITY, Calif. -- National City leaders will consider censuring the newly re-elected Councilmember Jose Rodriguez over claims that he has repeatedly violated the city's code of conduct.
The council majority voted in favor of the motion proposed by Mayor Ron Morrison. However, it was not a unanimous vote. Rodriguez voted against the proposal to consider censuring himself, along with his colleague Councilmember Ditas Yamane.
"I've had a number of requests from people saying that there's been so many different things that have come up over these last couple of year period, but the only way we can legally address them or bring them out in public ... this is the only legal way to do that," Morrison said at a Nov. 19 council meeting.
According to a memo filed by Morrison, Rodriguez has a "pattern of violations" with both the City Council policy and the Code of Fair Campaign Practices.
- He is accused by the mayor of creating a "hostile environment within the community in the form of bullying."
- The memo states Rodriguez has used media to intimidate people, including a city commissioner who felt their family was threatened.
Morrison stated that censure discussion was necessary due to numerous complaints received over several years.
"There's never a good time to do something like this," Morrison said.
Yamane disagreed with Morrison's timing and suggested postponing discussions until next year, stating considering censure is too harsh. Councilmember Marcus Bush supported holding discussions publicly due to concerns needing attention.
"This is grossly utilizing city resources for your political gain at this moment," Rodriguez said to Morrison at the Nov. 19 meeting. "That is something that's a shame and continues to be a reoccurring theme throughout your 30-year tenure."
Bush responded by stating it's about accountability: "It's not political."
Rodriguez argued campaign violations should be addressed through state channels rather than using city resources and dismissed accusations as politically motivated post-election grievances:
"The election is over, guys," he said. "We won by over 73 percent of the vote. Get over it."
Rodriguez was elected on Nov. 5 for his second four-year term.
CBS 8 reached out for comments from both Mayor Morrison and Rodriguez regarding allegations but did not receive responses due to holiday weekend circumstances. Updates will follow upon receiving their statements.
The National City council will meet at 6 p.m. on Dec. 3 to discuss allegations and potential censure proceedings.