Mayor Hernandez Enters Closed Session by Back Door

Mayor Steven Hernandez Slips in Back Door to Attend Closed Session

COACHELLA — Mayor Steven A. Hernandez has been found guilty of nothing, yet he chose to attend a closed session on Thursday evening by slipping in the back door? Why?

Clearly, he did not want to face the media — or the public, who typically gather before the closed session then disperse. He did not want to answer questions clearly. Does the public deserve more from him?

It was the first meeting Hernandez, 42, has attended since he was arrested in October. A grand jury indicted him on one felony count of conflict of interest, four felony counts of perjury, and four misdemeanor counts of conflict of interest. Hernandez, who is a Riverside County employee and works chief of staff for Supervisor V. Manuel Perez has been placed on paid administrative leave.

He has pleaded not guilty and is presumed innocent.

Does an innocent man sneak in the back door?

The only issue on the agenda was the performance evaluation of the city manager and appointment of a city manager. It is clear that Hernandez wanted a voice in the matter.

If there was reportable action out of closed session, no one is saying. Interim City Manager Bill Pattison referred all questions to Public Information Officer Risseth Lora. She did not return our request for comment.

Meantime, members of the City Council have asked to have a censure of the beleaguered Mayor Steven Hernandez added to the agenda of the next meeting agenda, which will be in December.