Council Moves to Repeal Drug Tests for Members

SOUTH EL MONTE — The City Council has taken the first step toward repealing a policy that made it the first in California to approve voluntary, random drug tests for its members.

In a 4-1 vote late Tuesday, council members directed the city staff to draft a resolution to rescind the policy, which ignited a debate about whether such tests are truly voluntary for elected officials.

“This does nothing for the residents of South El Monte,” said Councilman George Lujan, who demanded the policy be axed because it violates elected officials’ civil rights. “We are the laughingstock of local cities.”

The move comes before a single council member could be tested for illegal drugs. Those found to have used drugs would be required to undergo drug treatment and face possible censure.

In February, the council approved the policy on a 3-2 vote. Councilwoman Blanca Figueroa, a teacher’s aide, said she proposed the testing after her students--citing the cocaine possession conviction of Los Angeles City Councilman Mike Hernandez and Eastside Councilman Richard Alatorre’s testing positive for cocaine--questioned how she could preach against drugs when two potential role models used them.

But in the March city elections, two council members who supported the policy were ousted. Figueroa was the only one to vote to maintain the policy Tuesday.