Feb. 15, 2023 — Madera City Council

Documented by Hugo Galindo

Citing the lack of a “well-articulated policy,” the Madera City Council voted against allocating funds for a Dolores Huerta event at Madera Community College.

What happened: In a 4-3 vote, the Madera City Council voted against the allocation of public funds to Madera Community College in support of bringing Dolores Huerta to the school.

Councilmembers Steve Montes, Elsa Mejia, Jose Rodriguez, and Cece Gallegos voted against the item citing concerns about the lack of a city policy about these types of allocations and that it will set a precedent for organizations to simply ask the council to set aside public funds as donations or sponsorships.

Montes said that he would personally contribute to the effort, but that absent a “well-articulated policy,” he is not comfortable allocating city funds in this way.

William Mask, Latin-Americanist history instructor at Madera Community College spoke about the cultural value of bringing Dolores Huerta to Madera Community College on March 30.

“We’re looking to start a relationship with Madera where we get to co-op and do these things together more often to highlight our community,” he said. “In this particular case, we’re going to highlight the fruit of her labor and I would argue that most of you on this council are indeed the fruit of her labor in more ways than I can count on my hands.” 

Up next: The Madera City Council is scheduled to meet again on March 30.

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The Fresno Documenters are a group of local residents who are trained and paid to attend and take notes at local public meetings where officials decide how to spend public money and make important decisions...