BELL GARDENS : Petitions Filed to Recall 2 City Council Members
Petitions to recall two Bell Gardens city councilmen were turned in to City Hall on Monday, a move that threatens to tear apart the Latino coalition that ousted an Anglo council majority less than two years ago.
The recall papers--each containing more than 2,000 signatures of registered voters--target Councilmen Frank B. Duran and Rodolfo (Rudy) Garcia, who were elected in March, 1992.
Duran is accused on the recall notice of sexism and for encouraging discriminatory hiring practices at City Hall. Garcia is accused of reverse discrimination and prejudice. Both are accused of using their elected office for personal gain. The two councilmen have denied the allegations.
The recall is being spearheaded by Bell Gardens businessman Leo McIntyre, who has spent more than $12,000 on the effort. After the signatures are verified, the council must schedule an election, probably in October.
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