By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
A local provocateur observed a council member inadvertently vote twice at Tuesday’s Del Rio City Council meeting.
Arturo Rodriguez, a retired Customs agent known for acidic social media posts and several failed bids for public office, called attention to what he described as a procedural misstep involving Councilwoman Carmen Gutierrez.
Rodriguez circulated an email to council members and local media by noon Wednesday, claiming Gutierrez cast conflicting votes on a proposed ordinance to establish a code of ethics for members of the city council.
“This is to inform the Del Rio City council member Gutierrez VOTED TWICE ON THE ETHICS RESOLUTION!” Rodriguez wrote. “See snap shot of vote. Clearly votes for the resolution, then votes against the resolution with Councilman Lopez!!! Not legally binding for the record!!”
City Secretary Mari Acosta quickly responded to the allegation, confirming she had reviewed video of the vote and spoken with Gutierrez. According to Acosta, Gutierrez affirmed that she intended to support the ethics ordinance but mistakenly raised her hand a second time when the mayor called for opposition votes.
“Although the only vote I took into consideration at the time of the meeting was in opposition; it did not affect the outcome,” Acosta wrote. “With that said, the official record will reflect her vote as ‘in favor’ along with a note on the minutes that a discrepancy was discovered after the meeting, via video review.”
Thursday morning, Gutierrez said she appreciated the sharp-eyed Rodriguez.
“It was a definite ‘oops, gotcha’ moment,” Gutierrez said. “It was my error, and I own up to it. I. . . spoke about the importance of having an ethics policy. I encourage all of the citizens to watch the meetings, and if they see something that doesn’t seem right, let us know. We are listening to our community members.”
The ethics ordinance passed on a 5-2 vote.
However, Rodriguez still wasn’t happy, going by an email he sent later.
“Will the council member be required to submit an official affidavit confirming her vote in the affirmative? In life, if it is not written, it never happened? As far as the evidence shows. She voted for and voted against? A phone call does not officially confirm. I believe this must be voted again correctly or written documentation must be obtained, recorded and filed properly to reflect her official correct vote. Please advise of what course of action will be taken.”
Thursday morning, Gutierrez took to social media to respond to the mistake.
Gutierrez wrote, “Good morning everyone!
In case you haven’t heard yet, a citizen noted that I voted twice on advancing the Ethics policy.
I’m grateful the error was noted so it can be corrected. I encourage all citizens to let us know whenever something appears wrong.
In addition to making the motion and speaking in favor of the proposed Council ethics as presented,
I voted in error :for and then against.
However, the against vote was the only vote recorded. Regardless of how I voted, the motion passed to advance the ethics to an Ordinance which will be voted upon by all Council again.
I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused to anyone.
At this time, I will clarify once more that I am fully in favor of the ethics policy as presented. My intention was to vote FOR the policy. A corrective action to the Minutes will be taken at the next meeting.
God bless all.
Carmen Gutierrez
Councilwoman at Large Place A”
