In December 2022, a controversial decision at the Jurupa Valley City Council meeting raised serious questions about leadership, and independent thought within our city government. The role of mayor, a ceremonial position traditionally rotated among council members, is meant to give each district the opportunity to be represented and celebrated. However, this rotation was disrupted when Mayor Chris Barajas was nominated to serve a second consecutive term—an unprecedented move that only occurred once before in our city’s history, with poor results.
Councilmember Altamirano nominated Barajas for another term, and Councilmember Guillermo Silva allowed the nomination to proceed without objection. This unexpected break from tradition stirred concerns, and I believe the council should uphold the rotation system to ensure fairness and prevent the role from becoming a tool of ego or personal ambition. The mayoral position, though symbolic, carries weight in representing the pride of each district and maintaining trust in the process of shared leadership.
The actions of Altamirano and Silva raised questions about the strength of their leadership. In moments like these, our elected officials are expected to act independently, with integrity, and in alignment with the values of transparency and fairness. Allowing one individual to serve as mayor for two consecutive years undermines the purpose of the rotation system and erodes my trust in the council’s ability to govern impartially.
Jurupa Valley needs leaders who will stay true to their commitments and not be swayed by internal influence or alliances within city government. Councilmembers must act as independent voices for their districts, ensuring that the decisions they make reflect the best interests of their constituents. Leadership is not about following others—it’s about having the courage to stand up for what is right, even when it means voting against the strongest personality in the room.
This situation serves as a reminder that the strength of our city government depends on the independence and accountability of its leaders. Residents should expect council members to resist pressure and make decisions with integrity, not defer to other councilmembers hoping someone else will correct the course. It is time for our elected officials to demonstrate the kind of leadership that puts the community first and reinforces the principles of fairness and representation that our city was built upon.
