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CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The mayor of Calexico calls for “professionalism” after one of the city councilors accused El Centro police of regularly using excessive force.
City Councilor Raul Urea claimed that the El Centro Police Department (ECPD) was leading the country in incidents of excessive force. Urea made the comments while addressing El Centro city council at the end of May. KYMA.com has not been able to independently verify its claims.
El Centro mayor Cheryl Walker hit back at Urea’s allegations last week in an interview with News 11’s Wiley Jawhary. Walker said the head of the neighboring town had little information about operations at the within the town of El Centro.
Now the mayor of Calexico is addressing the controversy. Mayor Rosie Arreola-Fernandez released a statement Wednesday evening calling for “professionalism and transparency”.
“I think the current behavior and actions of board member Raul Urena are unethical and furthermore they hurt and offend the values that make this city a welcoming place for all.”
– Statement by the Mayor of Calexico, Rosie Fernandez
Urea and other community activists have also criticized Fernandez in the past. They say a DUI conviction in 2020 should have prevented him from retaining his seat on Calexico city council. However, she did and was eventually chosen to serve as mayor by her fellow council members.
KYMA.com has contacted the city councilor for his reaction to the mayor’s statement. He has not yet responded to our request for comment.
“The current political climate has presented the need to continue to work together and invest in maintaining professionalism and transparency. It is important to join and partner with other cities, especially the city of El Centro and the city of Imperial to ensure that we treat each other with respect, dignity and professionalism. As mayor, it is my responsibility to ensure that these efforts are enhanced by voices and actions during my term as mayor.
As members of city council, we are accountable to the community and to each other for our actions and our words. We must adhere to the highest ethical standards and ensure that we act with integrity and lead by example. I believe that the current behavior and actions of board member Raul Urena are unethical and, in addition, they hurt and offend the values that make this city a welcoming place for all.
I applaud the city of El Centro and the city of Imperial for responding to recent statements by council member Urenas of unsubstantiated incidents of police brutality. These are hollow arguments and a shameful betrayal of our fundamental regional spirit. We represent the residents of Calexico and our values and principles are shared with everyone in Imperial County. We stand up for the citizens of Calexico and work in unison as one council for the welfare of businesses and residents of Calexico.
In conclusion, as mayor, I will continue to maintain effective communication to help strengthen regional diplomacy. I have confidence in a better future for our city, working hand in hand with our partners and our community.
The city of Calexico widely recognizes the need to work in cooperation with other municipalities and to assert political will where others have taken a back seat. “
ROSIE ARREOLA-FERNANDEZ, MAJOR
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