Voting minority flexes muscles in Pico Rivera

In Pico Rivera politics, a strong three-person voting block typically dictates the City Council's actions. But at last night's meeting, the two councilmen usually left out in the cold blocked approval for construction of a new traffic signal, or at least delayed it until further information can be given.

It happened when Mayor Ron Beilke recused himself of a vote on the signal (on Washington Blvd. near LA Fitness), because his Wienerschnitzel restaurant is about 1,000 feet away, at the corner of Rosemead and Washington boulevards.

Beilke's abstention left his allies, Councilwoman Gracie Gallegos-Smith and Councilman Bob Archuleta, alone to vote in favor of the change. But Councilman Gregory Salcido voted against it, saying he had repeatedly expressed his concern about too many traffic signals in the city.

"We may have possible overkill on signals," Salcido said. "I'm open to sitting down and talking about it."

Councilman David Armenta voted against the measure without explanation.

This meant a split vote, 2-2, so the measure didn't pass.

Salcido said he might be willing to bring the item back if he gets more information that shows him the signal is necessary.

But the vote didn't simply drop as a defeated measure. Instead, majority voting block member Bob Archuleta quickly did all he could to circumvent the vote and pressured Salcido and Armenta to change their minds.

"I keep emphasizing the pedestrians and safety," Archuleta said.

City Manager Chuck Fuentes also quickly weighed in, saying money has already been spent on planning the signal and not placing it there could mean danger for pedestrians.

"To not do this is criminal neglect, in my opinion," Fuentes said. "If anything happens, the blood will be on whomever's hands."