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The Cypress City Council has censured Council Member Frances Marquez for violations of the City of Cypress Code of Ethics and the City’s Civility, Conduct and Governance Policy. The 4-1 vote comes in response to weeks of complaints from Cypress High School students, parents and residents.
According to multiple complaints, Council Member Marquez and two candidates for local office campaigned and solicited volunteers while speaking to a captive student audience at Cypress High School. Council Member Marquez also shared personal opinions of the City Council, the California Voting Rights Act lawsuit filed against the City, and asserted that the City Council is acting against the best interest of residents.
“What transpired at Cypress High School was unacceptable and unethical. Elected officials have a responsibility to honor the line between public policy and politics, and to build trust between citizens and government. Regrettably, rather than educate students about their city government, Council Member Marquez used her office to subject students to campaign pitches and inappropriate requests for political support,” said Mayor Paulo Morales. “Council Member Marquez’s actions have brought shame to the City and strained our relationship with the Anaheim Union High School District. My colleagues and I condemn this intentional effort to destabilize our community and Council Member Marquez’s blatant disregard for the trust of students and parents.”
Council Member Marquez and the two candidates for elected office distributed campaign flyers and cards promoting the candidates and asked students to bring materials home to discuss with their parents.
“This censure is a formal rebuke of Council Member Marquez’s actions and the lack of accountability that has followed,” said Mayor Morales. “Council Member Marquez’s ongoing refusal to engage with the City Council and city management continues to harm our community. We insist that our colleague formally apologizes to the Anaheim Union High School District, Cypress High School, and the affected students and parents.”
As a result of censure, the City Council has revoked Council Member Marquez’s appointment to the Orange County Council of Governments, the Southern California Association of Governments General Assembly, and the City of Cypress Veteran Recognition Ad Hoc Subcommittee. The City Council also suspended Council Member Marquez’s City Council salary and stipend for 90 days.
