Senator Reyes’ Statement on San Bernardino City Council’s Governance and Ballot Restructure Vote

Senator Reyes’ Statement on San Bernardino City Council’s Governance and Ballot Restructure Vote

San Bernardino, CA — Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes (D–Colton) issued the following statement after the San Bernardino City Council voted not to advance a charter amendment related to the city’s election and governance structure, and instead bring it up for formal review by the Council’s Charter Review Committee:

“Last night was democracy in action. Thank you to the hundreds of San Bernardino residents and neighbors who showed up to protect voters’ rights in our city. Special thanks to Councilmembers Ibarra, Figueroa, Knaus, Flores, and Ortiz for heeding the calls of our community, and to Mayor Tran for leading the council with dignity and a deep passion for community.

“I am pleased that the proposed amendment will be taken up by the formal Charter Review Committee rather than being placed directly on the June ballot. Decisions as consequential as changes to a city charter demand a process that is transparent, inclusive, and grounded in meaningful public participation. While city councils may have the authority to act, departing from established review processes risks eroding public trust and confidence in the outcome.

“Regardless of one’s position on the substance of this proposal, residents deserve clarity, engagement, and a process that reflects the seriousness of altering the rules that govern their local democracy. At a time when communities are asking for stability and accountability from their institutions, how decisions are made matters as much as the decisions themselves.

“San Bernardino deserves a steady, collaborative approach that prioritizes public confidence and long-term governance. The civic leadership and engagement on display tonight prove how far we’ve come, and how bright our future is.”