### Mayor Investigates Ways to Sanction Absentee Council Members
The municipal president of Tijuana, Montserrat Caballero Ramírez, is examining legal measures to sanction council members who have been absent from the City Council sessions she has been convening. According to the mayor, council members are only allowed to justify up to three absences; however, some have accumulated eight consecutive absences.
Caballero Ramírez emphasized that none of the council members have provided justification for their absences, exceeding the permissible limit. “They have eight absences, and as we see it legally, this is a serious matter. We have sent the case to the city prosecutor, and we are working on it to ensure they face sanctions,” she stated.
The city prosecutor, Rafael Leyva Pérez, confirmed that council members could indeed face sanctions for their unjustified absences. He explained that if the council members cannot justify their absences, or if their reasons contradict the rules for justification, then steps could be taken to replace them. According to the regulations, after three consecutive unexcused absences, the substitute council member may be called upon to fulfill the responsibilities of the absentee council member.
The mayor reiterated that actions are being taken to address this issue legally and ensure that the absentee council members are held accountable.
—
### IEEBC Dismisses Mayor’s Complaint Against Absentee Council Members
In an additional development concerning absentee council members, the State Electoral Institute of Baja California (IEEBC) dismissed a complaint filed by Mayor Montserrat Caballero Ramírez against the absentee council members. The complaint was based on the council members’ consecutive absences from the City Council sessions, which exceeded the allowable limit.
The IEEBC ruled that the issue did not fall within its jurisdiction, advising that the matter should be addressed through internal municipal procedures. This dismissal means that any disciplinary actions will rely solely on the legal pathways explored by the city administration, led by the municipal president and the city prosecutor.
Mayor Caballero Ramírez expressed her disappointment with the decision but remained steadfast in her objective to seek sanctions within the municipal framework. The investigation into the council members’ absences continues, with potential repercussions aimed at ensuring accountability and adherence to council regulations.
Stay tuned for more updates on this issue.