Directly elected mayor (Item 10.5)

Argued Palmdale's Latino majority should choose its own mayor and dismissed concerns about polarization — 'this is a free city.'

Called the elected-mayor idea 'a solution in search of a problem' and defended the rotational system, while enjoying the fireworks praise.

A 21-year resident said he doesn't know what the current mayor stands for since he didn't vote for him, and urged the council to restore the elected mayor tonight.

Warned about racially polarized voting and lawsuit costs from at-large systems — 'don't break what's already fixed.'

Palmdale Freedom Coalition rep said the rotating mayor is 'a failure' and urged the council to adopt the ordinance directly rather than send it to voters.

Argued an elected mayor brings accountability, strong leadership, higher turnout, and checks and balances — 'more democracy.'

Cited Howard v. Palmdale and argued going back to an at-large mayor would reintroduce racially polarized elections and renewed litigation.