Word around town is that the current Glendora City Council may attempt to overturn a 45-year tradition of rotating the mayoral role—this Tuesday, December 9, 2025.

For decades, Glendora has followed a predictable and transparent rotation system. Michael Allawos, the current mayor pro-tem, would traditionally be next in line to serve as mayor. He is also the only council member who advocated for greater community input before the Vision Plan was passed.

So, what factual reason has been provided for breaking this long-standing tradition?  None. Not a single explanation has been offered. 

Under the current mayor, David Fredendall, residents have witnessed the following:

• Major decisions with minimal transparency

The Vision Plan was pushed through with extremely limited community involvement. Residents were repeatedly told the state required these mandates and that nothing could be done—statements that were not accurate.

• Failure to join an important legal effort

Glendora declined to join the amicus brief before the U.S. Supreme Court—even though the participating group includes our own city law firm and other California cities.

• Questionable management leadership

A recent union survey reported 78% dissatisfaction with city leadership among staff. To date, no meaningful corrective action from the council has been communicated.

• Questionable financial decisions

Residents have noticed what appears to be unchecked spending, while the city is simultaneously spending taxpayer dollars on plans to explore new bond measures that would raise our property taxes.

At the same time, simple, low-cost steps—such as including resident notifications in water bills—still have not been implemented, despite months of repeated community requests.

• Unwanted public attention

The city is currently being sued by a Glendora police officer alleging racism. The timing, leadership decisions, and optics—particularly with only one minority council member (Allawos) and an all-white voting majority—have brought negative media exposure the city did not need.

The broader concern

A pattern has become difficult to ignore:

Quiet decisions with no public explanation
Sudden breaks from long-standing practices
A council majority that appears more committed to supporting each other than representing residents
A “one-voice” approach that suppresses transparency and discourages open dialogue
It is no surprise that many residents are questioning what is being discussed behind closed doors, why established norms are being discarded so abruptly, and what else may be happening without public oversight.

If you find this unacceptable, now is the time to speak up.

This is a full council meeting, with an actual vote. They answer to YOU—not to each other.  Show up Tuesday night or if you can’t make it call them or email. Be loud

This Tuesday’s City Council meeting is not like the previous “community meeting” that had only two council members present and no ability to take action.

Verify yourself. Visit the City of Glendora website, review the Warrant Register for spending, watch the recent Channel 11 news coverage regarding the lawsuit, and read the union survey available online.