During a San Antonio City Council meeting where ethical conduct was scrutinized, District 5 Councilmember Teri Castillo abstained from a vote on whether to censure fellow Councilmember Ivalis Meza Gonzalez of District 8. According to a statement released by the City of San Antonio, Castillo chose not to support the motion.
Handling the responsibility of holding officials accountable, Castillo clarified why abstaining was her course of action. She confidently believes in due process and the public's role in such matters. “It is the duty of the District 8 residents and the public to hold their elected officials accountable,” she stated, as per the City of San Antonio official news release. She pointed out, having been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, there are multiple options for office forfeiture per the City Charter.
Her abstention has brought to light her standpoint on the concept of peer censure. Castillo emphasizes that such decisions should fall into the hands of the electorate, not fellow councilmembers. In her view, the justice system will effectively manage the accountability of Councilmember Meza Gonzalez. "Every individual is entitled to due process. Any determination of wrongdoing should follow the process and ultimately be judged by the people they serve,” Castillo expressed in the City of San Antonio statement.
This approach reveals a respect for the process inherent within the legal system, while not excusing any potential misconduct by Meza Gonzalez. “This is not an attempt to defend drunk driving, nor does it condone this behavior. Rather it is confidence that the justice system will hold Councilmember Meza Gonzalez accountable,” Castillo added as per the City of San Antonio release.
