Tito Ortiz could be removed as Huntington Beach City Council Mayor Pro Tem
Tito Ortiz is in danger of losing his position as Mayor Pro Tempore on the Huntington Beach City Council less than four months after being voted onto the city’s governing board.
Ortiz (21-12-1), a former UFC light heavyweight champion, has become a constant presence in the news since being sworn into his City Council seat in December, mostly for the wrong reasons.
The issues with Ortiz, 46, largely relate to the coronavirus pandemic and his vocal stances against mask-wearing and social distancing. It’s festered frustration with his fellow council members, who are now positioning to take action against the UFC Hall of Fame inductee.
News surfaced Thursday that the next city council meeting, scheduled for Feb. 1, will include a vote of no-confidence against toward Ortiz with the hope of removing him from his Mayor Pro Tem position.
The Mayor Pro Tem position is largely ceremonial. If removed from the position, he would still retain his council seat. In a race for three at-large seats, Ortiz finished first among 15 candidates with 37,015 votes in the Nov. 3 election.
“Mr. Ortiz has failed to perform at a level expected for his position and his demonstrated little commitment to serving in the role with honor and dignity,” a statement read. “His unprofessional demeanor and poor judgement have raised concerned among residents, local business owners, and his fellow council members. The Huntington Beach community expects local elected officials to take their governing responsibilities seriously and we wholeheartedly agree.”
Additional details on the situation can be viewed below (via Twitter):
Ortiz’s particular indiscretions have been well-documented by Twitter user @FullContactMTWF.