Former Councilman Marcel Rodarte delivers controversial speech
seemingly aimed at influencing the selection process.
Cheri Kelley forced vote to hold off appointment and wait seven months to fill the seat left by Marcel Rodarte.
By Brian Hews
The resignation of Norwalk Councilman Marcel Rodarte, coupled with the political motives of Vice Mayor Cheri Kelley and the inaction of Councilman Leonard Shryock, will cause gridlock during Norwalk City Council meetings for the next seven months.
At the August 16 meeting, the Council, with Mayor Mike Mendez and Councilman Luigi Vernola clearly frustrated but forced to vote due to an impending lawsuit, voted 4-0 to fill Rodarte’s vacant seat during the next election in March 2017.
Rodarte resigned from his seat June 30 of this year to take the Executive Director position for the California Contract Cities Association (CCCA).
The Council could have appointed a Council member until the March 2017 election avoiding gridlock, as Mendez and Vernola wanted, but Kelley and Shyrock were vehemently against any appointment.
Many residents told HMG-CN that Kelley’s maneuver was politically motivated, as she is up for re-election in March and did not want another viable candidate in the race.
And in what looked like a calculated political move by Kelley and Shryock, Marcel Rodarte delivered a controversial speech in favor of waiting for the March election.
Rodarte and Kelley seen at a CCCA meeting one week before Rodarte gave his controversial speech at the Norwalk City Council meeting.
In his prepared speech, Rodarte said, “I was not able to attend the last meeting. I commend the young man who volunteered for the council seat, but it is my opinion that you have to earn that position. It is not something that is a gift for you to give. It is a seat that should be earned by someone that is willing to put their blood, sweat and tears into earning it. That is why I am here tonight. I firmly believe that waiting another six months, that the person should have access to fund raising, access to city hall and access to the city council. I have heard you, the Council, say how you stand for democracy, so I am asking you to do that tonight. I was elected by the people, and the same should stand for my replacement. Anything less is not a true democracy. While I respect each of your positions, I hope that you will put the best interest of this community first. I expect nothing less. If you were to call for a special election, there is not sufficient time for anyone who might be interested in serving as your colleague to do what is necessary to run for office. You cannot risk a potential lawsuit, spending thousands of useless dollars. Norwalk residents need to be informed of the selection of a new council member and each official candidate deserves to enter the race equally.”
After the speech, Kelley immediately moved to vote and made a motion that they hold a special election for March 2017.
Shryock seconded saying, “this is due process and keeping with what Marcel said. It is keeping in line with democracy in terms of letting the people make that decision. It is an estimated two to three thousand dollars more to have an additional two seats on the next election. If we appoint somebody it would be more expensive, because that person would generate a stipend, and whatever other expenses are attached to sitting on city council.”
Observers in the room were not happy with Rodarte’s speech, given that he is now the Executive Director of the CCCA saying Rodarte should not be involved with this process, and that he is attempting to influence an election in a City that is a member of his organization.
HMG-CN received a phone call days after the meeting saying some members of CCCA were extremely upset at Rodarte’s speech, and with his appointment overall, with as many as 8 cities considering pulling out of the organization.
The caller said the group would be sending a letter to each member of the CCCA Executive Board stating their overall concerns pertaining to Rodarte, and also their concern as to why he continues to be involved with Norwalk Council elections.
When told of Rodarte’s speech, one long-time area politician and former Mayor said, “the speech means they (Rodarte and friends) have a candidate they want to run. They want cover for council. They want their person on the Norwalk City Council.”
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Prepared speech? Who wrote it for him? Whining like he did when Rick Ramirez bounced his a@@ off the Planning Commission. Marcel you gave up on the voters that elected you. You decided to split for what you thought were/are greener pastures. Please give up the punka@@ holier then thou attitude. Your nothing but a RR flunkie.
Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy Full Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-20, 5 Quart
$27.97 (as of April 2, 2025 05:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
rategist Cordless Electric Razor for Men: 3-in-1 Shaver for Beard/Nose/Sideburns - IPX7 Waterproof Travel Kit - Turbo Speed & Precision Blades
(as of April 2, 2025 17:17 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
2025 Lincoln Shield Penny, P & D Mint Marks, Uncirculated 1 Cent Coins, Set of 2
(as of April 2, 2025 17:17 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler with Handle and Straw 30 oz | Flowstate 3-Position Lid | Cup Holder Compatible for Travel |…
$35.00 (as of April 2, 2025 05:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display, Batteries Included, Weighs up to 11 pounds, Black and Stainless Steel
$10.89 (as of April 2, 2025 05:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Abundance
(as of April 2, 2025 17:17 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Rain-X 820149 WeatherBeater Wiper Blades, 22" Windshield Wipers (Pack of 2), Automotive Replacement Windshield Wiper…
$25.99 (as of April 2, 2025 05:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Fearless (The Powerless Trilogy)
(as of April 2, 2025 17:17 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
BSRCO Handheld Vacuum Cordless Rechargeable, LED Light, 1.65 Pounds Car Vacuums Light Weight, Hand Vacuum Cordless Rechargeable with Washable Filter, USB Charge
(as of April 2, 2025 17:17 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Personalized Name Tag For Stanley Cup 30 40 oz, Personalized Stanley Name Plate 40oz, Tumbler Lid Topper, Stanley Cup…
$3.99 (as of April 2, 2025 05:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Prepared Speech? Who wrote it for him? Whining like he did when Rick Ramirez bounced his punk a@@ off the Planning Commission. Marcel you gave up on Norwalk and left after just being re-elected by the residents of Norwalk. YOU made the decision to split for what you think are greener pastures. Please give up the holier than thou attitude. You are nothing but a RR flunky. How is it going with the trash company you are consulting for?
I give Marcel one year, if that, before the Contract Cities Association realizes he is worthless. I laugh at how dumb Cheri is. After all it was Rick Ramirez and Marcel Rodarte who tried to get rid of her in 2009 so they could have the super majority and now you are kissing his a@@. Figures they would be talking over a meal. No one wants to put up with you now since your a back stabber. It is sad that the only friends you have is Marcel and Lenard “Mr. Magoo” Shyrock.
Blink Mini 2 (Newest Model) — Home Security & Pet Camera(s) with HD video, color night view, motion detection, two-way…
$39.99 (as of April 2, 2025 05:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler with Handle and Straw 30 oz | Flowstate 3-Position Lid | Cup Holder Compatible for Travel |…
$35.00 (as of April 2, 2025 05:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
FEARLEFT Mouse Repellent Pouches,10 Pouches Rodent Mice Rats Pests Repellent Mouse Deterrent Indoor & Outdoor, Natural Peppermint Oil for Rodents Pests Use in Car,House,RV,Boat,Garage,Shed,Cabin
(as of April 2, 2025 17:17 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display, Batteries Included, Weighs up to 11 pounds, Black and Stainless Steel
$10.89 (as of April 2, 2025 05:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Elixir Strings, Acoustic Guitar Strings, 80/20 Bronze with NANOWEB Coating, Longest-Lasting Bright and Focused Tone…
$16.99 (as of April 2, 2025 05:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Personalized Name Tag For Stanley Cup 30 40 oz, Personalized Stanley Name Plate 40oz, Tumbler Lid Topper, Stanley Cup…
$3.99 (as of April 2, 2025 05:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
SJWOW 2PCS Heads and Tails Coin Sexy Woman Coin Challaenge Coin Lucky Coin Token Funny Prank Gifts for Coin Collectors
(as of April 2, 2025 17:17 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings, 10-46 Gauge (P02221)
$6.99 (as of April 2, 2025 05:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Blink Video Doorbell (newest model), Two-way audio, HD video, motion and chime app alerts and Alexa enabled — wired or wire…
$59.99 (as of April 2, 2025 05:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Native Moisturizing Body Wash Contains Naturally Derived Ingredients | For Women & Men, Sulfate, Paraben, & Dye Free Leaving Skin Soft and Hydrated | Shea Butter & Almond 18 oz
(as of April 2, 2025 17:17 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)