San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan is calling for the release of racist text messages allegedly involving members of the City Council.
The text messages were first reported by the San José Spotlight. According to the Spotlight, Eastside councilmembers Peter Ortiz and Domingo Candelas were both on the chain. The messages allegedly included the use of the N-word and a slur used to describe Mexicans.
San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP President Sean Allen said he has sources in law enforcement who have also confirmed the text messages. The messages were reportedly discovered by police after they seized former councilmember Omar Torres’ phone in an unrelated criminal investigation.
“These are serious allegations and, to the extent that this language was used in the course of city business or to describe constituents, the people of San Jose have a right to know what their elected representatives are saying,” said Mayor Mahan. “I’m especially concerned by the claim that some in City Hall subsequently tried to shield these messages from public view by claiming they are essential to an ongoing investigation. If the texts fall under the city’s usual standards for public disclosure, they should be made public to maintain trust with our community.”
Read more at KRON.