Morgan Hill residents and city officials spoke out this week at the first public meeting on the investigation into whether Morgan Hill Mayor Mark Turner pushed Mayor Pro Tem Yvonne Martínez Beltrán at a February meeting as investigators remained firm that there was “insufficient evidence” of her claim.
While Martínez Beltrán’s claims and the subsequent investigation divided residents, most were united in asking the City Council to put the issue behind them and focus on the business of running the city.
The meeting came after a report released early this month investigated claims by Martínez Beltrán that Turner had pushed her at a February meeting, and acted in ways that were retaliatory and discriminatory after she had campaigned against him in last year’s mayoral race. The investigators found “insufficient evidence” to support her allegations.
Shelline K. Bennett, Outside Council of law firm Liebert, Cassidy, Whitmore who presented the findings, called Martínez Beltrán’s description of events “inconsistent.” She noted that the police investigation did not find sufficient evidence of criminal battery, and that while Martínez Beltrán claimed that the mayor retaliated against her by removing her from committees, she held more primary committee positions than anyone on the city council except Turner.
In light of the investigation and its findings, Turner called Martínez Beltrán’s actions “attempts to discredit me and sow division” and “an assault on the very fabric of our community. These accusations are not only categorically false, but they are motivated by personal animosity and her desire to incur harm on my reputation, my family and the integrity of our city government,” he said.
Turner also announced that he would bring forward a motion at the next city council meeting to remove Martínez Beltrán from her position as mayor pro tem, which currently allows her to run meetings when the mayor is absent, saying she was “no longer worthy of that title.”
Following the mayor’s statement, dozens of citizens came forward, with many of the comments taking a personal tack and referring directly to the character of both Turner and Martinez Beltrán.
A significant majority spoke in support of Turner, with several calling the investigation “frivolous” and painting a picture of a mayor who had played ball with their children or mourned the loss of their loved ones with them.
Resident Roland Barreras recalled the mayor being present at his child’s funeral, describing Turner as “a blessing to the already blessed Morgan Hill.”
Several others derided the investigation itself, pointing out it cost the city over $27,000 in overall fees. “This looks like a political charade,” said resident Yvonne Estrada. “This is an exaggeration and a waste of resources.”
Even so, some cast doubt on the report, saying it left out the voices of others present at the February 7 meeting, noting that witnesses said that Turner touched Martínez Beltrán and stating that any unwanted touch was inappropriate.
Others noted that they felt Martínez Beltrán had been a supporter of under-represented communities. “(She) has always come forward when there have been hate incidents,” said Terry Hernandez, calling the investigation “completely unfair.” “We need to have an objective investigation.”
Martínez Beltrán had sought several times to postpone the meeting since it was held when the council is usually in recess and she was away with family. According to emails shared by Martínez Beltrán, she had called into question the legality of previous closed door meetings and previously asked for a public meeting on the subject when she was able to attend. (While the meetings were held privately since they were meant to address “pending litigation,” Martínez Beltrán maintains that she has never threatened legal action.)
“After asking three times for an open session in writing and at the beginning of closed sessions, I was not consulted if I could make a meeting during the recess,” said Martínez Beltrán in an email to the city, saying the process appeared “biased and disingenuous.” “Unfortunately, this has been arranged so that I couldn’t be there. When the time comes, I have much to say about the situation and look forward to the opportunity to say it where the public has the ability to hear all of the facts from the source.”
However, the council opted to move forward with the meeting, as the city noted meetings can be held during recess. “Keeping justice in mind, I felt it imperative to bring this report forward as soon as possible, to delay until August felt irresponsible to me,” said Councilmember Soraida Iwanaga.
At the end of the meeting, Councilmember Miriam Vega called for an end to the clashes between Martínez Beltrán and Turner. “More and more, we are spending valuable time navigating tensions and conflict … I’m not here to take sides, I’m here to say this has to stop,” said Vega. “We do not have the luxury of allowing personal disputes to stall the business of the city.”