Leadership dispute, $$ woes may stall Centro Civico event

A leadership dispute at Centro Civico Mexicano could make this the first year in decades that Mexico's shout of independence isn't heard at the state's oldest Hispanic organization.

John Renteria, embattled president of the board, told the Deseret Morning News Saturday that "as far as I'm concerned, Sept. 16 is on."

However, the 11 people who attended a meeting at Centro Civico Saturday weren't sure the Mexican Independence Day celebration would be possible. If it's canceled, it would be the first time in the history of the organization, which was founded in 1939, board members said.

"Even in the best conditions, it's extremely stressful," said Alexius Gallegos, past president and acting director. The leadership dispute, combined with an inability to raise funding, would make pulling off the event more difficult, he said.

"All the funding's gone right now; no one wants to be part of this fracas," Gallegos told those present at the meeting. "Centro Civico, except for day-to-day operations, is bankrupt right now."

And, while Renteria is technically the board's president, it's unclear whether or not he'll still hold the office in September. At the meeting, which Renteria didn't attend, the five board members present voted 4-1 to start the process of removing Renteria.

The board will notify the organization's membership that a vote to remove Renteria will be held at a regular meeting Aug. 28. Renteria can be removed if two-thirds of members present vote for impeachment.

The leadership struggle started after the board reorganized while Renteria was jailed recently for violating probation related to traffic violations. The board installed Margarita Rodriguez as acting president, a move that Renteria, who has since been released, calls a violation of bylaws. Renteria and Rodriguez agreed last week to attend mediation to settle the dispute.

Renteria, who also plans to run for Salt Lake City mayor, is now on supervised release and must wear an ankle monitor for 30 days. He said he has a meeting on Monday where he'll hopefully learn whether he'll have enough freedom to continue both his political campaign and leadership of Centro Civico.

For his part, Renteria said he plans to finish his term, but has no intention of running again.

"It's just a thankless job, it's a lot of work," he said. "I've still got some things to move on ... I just couldn't walk away from commitments that I've made."