quote:

With his wife, Anna, sitting in the front row, Mayor Mario Hernandez, for whatever reason, decided Monday night was the night to formally announce that he lost his business, and filed personal and corporate bankruptcy. "And secondly," Mayor Hernandez said, "I'd like to put out there, 'to squash the rumors,' that yes, I have been in a relationship with Councilwoman (Maribel) De La Torre."

Someone should lend the Mayor a dictionary because you don't "squash" a rumor by confirming that it is true. More importantly, the De La Torre/Hernandez tryst has implications beyond the bedroom.

Their pillow talk has led to arrogant control noted by two other council members and city staff. Without informing or conferring with fellow council members, they have been meeting and directing city officials and dictating policy. The pair was behind the ill-conceived return of Chief Anthony "Tony" Ruelas, who insiders have said is now carrying their water. They are also the driving force in the attempt to bring in a new fire department. One can only speculate what they thought could be gained by these moves.