While I don’t know that moving to Districts will achieve better racial representation, I have become an advocate of Districts for Cypress. Before Jon Peat and Paulo Morales were elected, I would have never been an advocate of Districts, but they have changed my position. There was a time when you could run for City Council for $5,000 – $10,000. Stacy Berry didn’t even file a 460 because she spent such a small amount of money.
When Jon Peat and Paulo Morales partnered up in 2018, Jon Peat reported $20,000 in expenditures and Paulo Morales reported $30,000 in expenditures. Anne Hertz donated $25,000 to her own campaign in 2020. We had some very good candidates in the 2020 election, but they were significantly outspent by the two that won. If campaign expenditure limitations and restrictions on political action committees were in place, I would be more comfortable with at-large elections.
Many people say that District elections dilute their vote, however, I believe it’s the money being spent and the long-standing relationships through different organizations that are already orchestrating the outcomes of our elections and drowning out our voices. It seems to me that it is time for a change. While I know many residents want to vote for all five Council Members, I would be satisfied to vote for one that will hopefully give our section of the community a voice because now that is not the case. While I may now have five votes, I have no voice.
Beyond at-large or District elections, I think there are other things that need to change. First, the appointment of Scott Minikus was flat-out unethical. One of the main reasons given for his appointment was that he would get along with staff. The other reasons that were unspoken were likely that he is a retired police officer so when Paulo Morales is termed out, there will still be a police spokesperson on the Council, not to mention that Paulo Morales’ neighborhood would still be represented. I don’t like the idea of the remaining Council members choosing a replacement at all. The choice of Scott Minikus demonstrated that they will always choose their buddy. I think a special election, while costly, is still the fairest option.
Another change that should occur is that candidates should be vetted for inherent conflicts other than the fact that they can’t be related to another Council Member. Just like the President is supposed to separate from their business interests while in office, I think the same should hold true for Council Members and their employers. For example, the Boys and Girls Club rents their building from the city for $1 per year; they received $138,000 of the City’s $300,000 COVID relief fund which was more than any other group even though the agenda indicated that they didn’t meet the 55% residency requirement for priority consideration; and they receive free trash services from Valley Vista.
With Anne Hertz as the Executive Director and Jon Peat on the Boys and Girls Club Board, it’s understandable why they would vote lockstep on issues. Now, at their last meeting, the Cypress School District gave the Boys and Girls Club a contract not to exceed $150,000 to provide support for summer programs.
While it may not be directly related to Anne Hertz’ Council seat, the fact that Bonnie Peat is the President of the Cypress School Board and Jon and Bonnie Peat recently donated $25,000 to sponsor a Boys and Girls Club event should raise eyebrows since cumulatively, these financial benefits likely are given some consideration by Anne Hertz’ employer as to the value she brings to the organization as a City Council Member.
If Bonnie Peat does run and is successful in being on the City Council, these relationships create a potential bond that could give residents the impression that independent consideration of issues impacting our city are a challenge.
I’m not saying that District elections will solve all these issues, but I believe something needs to be done to address the situation that exists now.