Dear Editor:

Civic engagement has always been a problem in every city. Fifteen percent of voters go out to vote in any given election. It is a little higher during presidential elections.

Blanca Pacheco and Claudia Frometa’s vote against me as planning Commissioner discouraged another person from engaging in civic duties to better our City of Downey. They have prevented me from volunteering due to my employment.

Maintaining compliance with federal regulations has been my priority at work, and enforcing community oversight of city codes was something I was looking forward to bringing to the Planning Commission. This company abides by every state and federal law and contributes to tax reviews for California.

In my opinion, Blanca Pacheco and Claudia Frometa have taken a position against every major progressive Democratic issue presented to the Downey City Council. In my opinion, their voting record speaks volumes and does not support our Democratic ideals.

Taking a stance against me, a true Democrat, is an effort to stifle the voice of the working class.

Yes, I’m disappointed not to be able to serve the city in which I am fully invested, where my children attend Downey schools, where my wife was a Girl Scout volunteer, and I coached AYSO.

I wonder if the more significant issue here is discrimination since I was unanimously approved last year to serve on the Urban Forest Management Plan Workgroup.

Sean Berrios
Downey