In a shocking turn of events, former San Luis City Councilwoman Gloria Torres, who was convicted of ballot fraud just six months ago, has been appointed as the vice mayor of San Luis, Arizona. This decision was made at a recent city council meeting, raising many eyebrows and questions about the integrity of local government.
Torres, a Democrat, was handed a two-year supervised probation sentence in June 2020 after pleading guilty to charges of conspiracy and ballot abuse. The charges stemmed from a two-year investigation into evidence of illegal ballot harvesting during the July 2020 primary election. The investigation was conducted by the State Attorney General’s Office and the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office, and was based on hidden video surveillance footage turned over by vigilant residents of Yuma.
The appointment of Torres as vice mayor was suggested by outgoing Vice Mayor Luis Cabrera and was accepted by a slim majority in a 4-3 council vote. This decision has sparked outrage and disappointment among many residents, who see it as a blatant disregard for the law and a clear example of corruption in local government.
One resident, Garcia Snyder, who is also a candidate for the Arizona House in Legislative District 25, expressed his disappointment and outrage at Torres’ appointment. He stated that the fact that a convicted ballot abuser has been elevated to a leadership position is insulting to the residents, especially those in the Latino community. He also suggested that this appointment is indicative of the corrupt grip that Democrats hold over Latino communities.
Snyder also pointed out that Torres’ retention of power is a wake-up call for the Hispanic community in San Luis and surrounding areas. He urged the community to stand up against corruption and to vote for conservative candidates who hold high standards and share their values.
Torres has a history of controversy in local politics. In May 2020, a performance audit by the Arizona Auditor General found that Arizona District 32, where Torres was a board member, had paid employees for time not worked and wasted $65,000 on unnecessary travel. This audit also revealed that the district had failed to properly oversee its transportation program, leading to employees stealing thousands of dollars from taxpayers.
This appointment has raised concerns about Torres’ competence and ethics, as well as the decision-making capabilities of the city council. It also brings to light the issue of corruption in local government and the need for stricter measures to prevent such individuals from holding positions of power.
The decision to appoint Torres has caused a divide among residents, with some supporting the decision while others are vehemently against it. Many are calling for her resignation or removal from office, citing her criminal history and lack of moral integrity.
In response to the outrage, Torres issued a statement defending her appointment, stating that she has served the community for over 20 years and has always acted in its best interest. She also apologized for any past mistakes and promised to work towards regaining the trust of the community.
As the situation continues to unfold, residents of San Luis and surrounding areas are left with serious concerns about the integrity of their local government. This appointment has shed light on the importance of carefully vetting candidates and holding elected officials accountable for their actions. The community now waits to see if Torres will follow through on her promise to regain their trust or if her appointment will only further damage the already fragile relationship between the city council and its constituents.