During a recent city council meeting, Councilman Rosso opened the session with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in local governance. The meeting transitioned to audience participation, where resident Sam Reyna raised significant concerns regarding the distribution of power within the city council.

Reyna referenced Proposition A, recently adopted in Houston, which empowers city council members to place items on the agenda without requiring mayoral approval. He argued that Freeport should consider a similar measure, suggesting that the current structure grants the mayor excessive authority over council proceedings. Reyna highlighted that under the existing system, any two council members can request an agenda item, but the mayor retains the power to approve or modify these requests.

Reyna's comments were underscored by his personal experience, as he claimed that his candidacy for mayor was hindered by a felony conviction, despite the council's ability to approve his name for the ballot. He urged the council to allow citizens to decide whether they want their representatives to share power more equitably.

The discussion reflects ongoing debates about governance and accountability within Freeport, as residents and council members navigate the balance of power in local decision-making.