An investigation into Montebello Councilman David Torres’ dealings with city staff determined that he is creating a toxic environment in his dealings with city employees.
Nancy Doumanian (an attorney hired by the city) presented the report to a Montebello City Council special meeting on Tuesday, May 3rd.
After listening to an over-hour-long summary, council voted 3-2 in favor of Rene Bobadilla as City Manager and Arnold Alvarez Glassman as City Attorney to seek a remedy. Torres, Scarlet Peralta, Councilman, and others who voted against it, claim Torres did nothing wrong.
Salvado Salendez, the councilman who moved the motion, stated after the meeting that he hoped that the council would move forward together.
“He has the right to be a City Council member and we want to remedy the situation,” Melendez said of Torres. “We want to move forward, work together and get this over with.”
Officials stated that Torres would have been the most the council could do.
Torres was elected to council in March 2019, and named mayor pro-tem in December 2020 by a 3-2 vote over Angie Jimenez. She was then removed for Jimenez, in October 2021.
Doumanian claimed that 17 employees volunteered to be interviewed. Their names weren’t released.
Both were not written reports. Glassman didn’t return a phone call on Wednesday seeking a copy of the Powerpoint presentation made during the meeting.
Doumanian said witnesses complained about their dealings with Torres, calling him “abrasive” and “condescending.” Many also said he didn’t respect the chain of command, she added.
Torres said he didn’t think he did anything wrong but also said he wasn’t trying to cause problems.
“It’s never been any kind of attempt to cause us any kind of consternation or concern,” he said.
“I apologize for the atmosphere that has created any kind of toxic environment,” Torres said. “All of my communications have been in my capacity as a council member or are protected by the First Amendment.”
Jimenez praised the employees who came forward.
“We have felt the harassment and hostility from David Torres,” she said. “This is for the workers. We are here to protect them.”
Melendez claimed that Torres has been contacted by council members in closed session asking him to change his behavior.
Torres received support from a large portion of the audience on Tuesday. More than 100 people were there.
Ricardo Alonzo said he didn’t understand what Torres did wrong.
“Is it so wrong to be questioning people?” Alonzo asked. “We appreciate when someone asks questions.”
Peralta also spoke in behalf of Torres.
“Councilman Torres has the highest degree of respect and has spoken against the lack of transparency,” she said. “He’s been a champion and steward of our city’s finances. No councilman should be treated this way.”
