Yuma council to consider censure of Arturo Morales over leak allegations

Yuma City Council will take up a July 1 vote on whether to censure Councilman Arturo Morales after allegations that he disclosed information from a closed-door executive session.

The council reviewed information about a possible privilege violation and then moved to consider formal censure. The item will be on the July 1 agenda, the next scheduled council meeting after the chamber meets June 3 and June 17 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers at One City Plaza. The city posts agendas, packets, legal summaries and minutes online for public access.

The allegation is that Morales shared executive-session discussions with council candidate Henry Valenzuela or possibly other members of the public. Under Arizona law, people present in executive session are instructed about confidentiality requirements, and disclosure of executive-session information is barred except in limited circumstances, including to the attorney general or county attorney. Arizona’s Open Meeting Law is written to keep public-body meetings open and to be construed in favor of open government.

A censure is not removal from office. It is a formal statement that the council disagrees with a member’s actions or comments, which means a vote would not force Morales out of his seat or end his term.

Morales is finishing his current term and is not seeking reelection. Mayor Doug Nicholls has said Arizona’s open meeting laws are meant to protect transparency and good governance, and that the council has a responsibility to police itself. Under state law, a knowing open-meeting violation can bring civil penalties and attorney fees, and in extreme cases removal from office. The county attorney or attorney general may also investigate alleged violations.

Valenzuela is a Yuma native and retired police lieutenant and Army veteran. His campaign has focused on affordability, neighborhood preservation, direct voter engagement, public safety and responsible growth.