Restoring the Public Trust

By Jose Gutierrez

The number one priority of our Mayor must be to restore the public trust.

I'm running for the office of Mayor of Hawthorne to return openness, honesty, integrity and accountability to City Hall. That's why I've pledged to remain crime free during my time as Mayor. And that's why - today - I'm introducing the largest transparency package in Hawthorne history. Let me tell you a little bit about these Sunshine Ordinances that I'll institute during my first 100 days

1. Require all elected officials and city staff members to sign a Code of Ethics and Conduct.

2. Mandate broader disclosures of what the City Council does when meeting in closed session.

3. Record all City Council closed session meetings electronically and make the information available after the reason for secrecy has passed.

4. Require the Mayor and Council members to disclose any political favors or other consideration they are to be given in exchange for their votes.

5. Require all elected officials to take a crime free pledge and that if they are charged with any crime as a result of their position as an elected official, they will resign from their position.

6. Update the online city master calendar with all council, committee, board, commission, and city sponsored community events.

7. Require all agendas to city meetings and city commissions be posted online.

8. Require all meetings minutes to city meetings and city commissions be posted online.

9. Implement an open Budget Process where the community is given a chance to have their say and be heard.

This broad set of reforms will help restore openness and honesty to the City of Hawthorne. On November 5th, I'd like you to join me and vote to return integrity to the Mayor's Office.