By David Cortinas, Editor La Voz Hispanic News – Opinion
Sunnyside, Washington is at a breaking point.
For six months, this city has been run not by leadership, but by political vengeance, silence, and dysfunction. The removal of City Manager Mike Gonzalez was not about misconduct. It was not about performance. It was about power—and the public record now proves it.
The people of Sunnyside deserve the truth.
And the truth is this: Mike Gonzalez should be reinstated immediately as City Manager.
THE VOTERS SPOKE — LOUDLY
The recent election results were not subtle. They were political landslides.
Theresa Hancock was crushed at the ballot box, losing by nearly 70 percent.
Vicky Ripley was dismantled by Ramon Chavez, also by nearly 70 percent. Hancock’s own son stated in court deposition that his mother is a racist and isn’t fit for office. La Voz believes her son was telling the truth. Something his mother has real problem with.
These were not close races. These were clear, unambiguous referendums on behavior, ethics, and abuse of power.
Voters didn’t just reject policies—they rejected bullying, chaos, retaliation, and political games.
ENOUGH.
THE SHAM INVESTIGATION COLLAPSED
Public records reveal that Councilmember Vicky Ripley openly complained that the investigation made Gonzalez appear innocent and demanded a version that would make him look guilty.
That is not oversight. That is manufactured guilt.
City Attorney Julie Norton and Interim City Manager Jim Bridges later issued a press clarification that reframed the report to further disparage Gonzalez. Residents called the release an absolute disgrace. One citizen on Facebook saying, “It’s nice that you’re trying to convict Mike via press release now that the investigation didn’t go your way.”
That release was later removed from the City’s website.
Transparency was clearly never the goal.
JIM BRIDGES: AN INTERIM DISASTER
Six months after Gonzalez was placed on so-called “non-disciplinary” paid leave, Sunnyside is experiencing an interim disaster.
Not a transition.
Not stability.
A disaster.
The 2026 budget is still incomplete.
Financial chaos Gonzalez warned about is now exploding publicly.
Former staff are being scapegoated.
Council meetings have devolved into finger-pointing, denial, and legal exposure.
This was predicted.
This was documented.
This was avoidable.
JORGE GALVAN AND KEREN VAZQUEZ
Deputy Mayor Jorge Galvan allowed false narratives to circulate, including the now-infamous Towelgate, until receipts forced the truth into daylight. Galvan and Hancock tried to frame Gonzalez for stealing towels during a lobbying trip to Olympia. A dastardly deed that backfired on the pair.
More troubling, Galvan has recently used his own daughter as a shield during council meetings to block public comment from his father while serious allegations were raised.
In La Voz Hispanic News’ opinion, Jorge Galvan should resign.
Councilmember Keren Vazquez sat silently while Gonzalez was defamed, accused without evidence, and publicly dragged through the mud.
Silence is not neutrality.
Silence is complicity.
WHAT GONZALEZ ACTUALLY DID
Mike Gonzalez:
Secured $1.3 million in grants.
Removed a building inspector who terrorized small businesses.
Executed a purchase and sale agreement on the Monson Property.
Conducted the first real outreach to Sunnyside’s Hispanic community.
Created a regional marketing strategy.
Warned—accurately—about the budget crisis.
Despite everything, Gonzalez has said repeatedly:
He does not want a payout.
He wants his job back.
SUNNYSIDE’S TWO CHOICES:
There is no third option.
Bring Mike Gonzalez back as City Manager and restore competence, trust, and momentum.
Or continue down this path—and face a lawsuit the City will almost certainly lose.
LET’S BE CLEAR
If Sunnyside chooses to protect egos instead of truth…if it chooses politics over professionalism…if it chooses silence over accountability…then every dollar lost in court,
every service cut, every family impacted by dysfunction, will belong to those who refused to do the right thing when they still had the chance.
History will not be kind. The record is already written. Bring Mike Gonzalez back. You owe it to the community.
