Before addressing this serious matter, I want to acknowledge the news concerning Mayor De Peña’s health. Regardless of the legal proceedings now underway, I wish him a full and speedy recovery, and I ask our residents to keep his family in their thoughts.
At the same time, my responsibility as President of the Lawrence City Council requires me to speak clearly and honestly: our focus must remain on Lawrence and the people we serve.
The federal charges involving Mayor De Peña are extremely serious. According to the federal complaint, the allegations involve the misuse of COVID-era federal business loan funds for personal financial obligations, property-related debt, tax liabilities, and political campaign purposes.
These are allegations, not a conviction. Mayor De Peña is entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence. It is not the City Council’s responsibility to determine his guilt or innocence—that decision belongs to the courts.
However, respecting due process does not require the City Council to remain silent about the potential consequences for Lawrence.
In more than a century, our city has faced a situation of this magnitude involving a sitting mayor only once before—in 1909, when Mayor William P. White was convicted and resigned after sentencing. We must approach this moment calmly, responsibly, and with a clear understanding of what is at stake.
This situation could affect:
• The City’s credit rating and financial standing
• Public and private investment in Lawrence
• Confidence in our municipal government
• The integrity of City operations
• The trust residents place in their elected officials
I want residents, businesses, employees, and financial partners to understand that Lawrence remains operational.
Our Police Department, Fire Department, Department of Public Works, Inspectional Services, Finance Department, Tax Collector’s Office, and all other municipal departments continue performing their responsibilities. These departments are staffed by dedicated professionals whose work does not depend on one individual.
Public safety and essential services will continue. They are not negotiable.
My strong recommendation to Mayor De Peña is direct: continue performing the duties of your office by every lawful means available, and do not allow your personal legal matters to interfere with the business of this city otherwise you will oblige us to take direct action to safeguard our city.
Matters concerning his legal defense must remain separate from City government. They should not be discussed or handled on taxpayers’ time, inside public buildings, or with public resources. While he remains Mayor, the responsibilities of that office must come first.
I must also express my profound disappointment. If these allegations are proven true, this would represent a serious violation of the public trust. These federal loan programs were created to help small businesses survive an unprecedented national crisis. They came with clear conditions and responsibilities.
I am especially troubled by the allegation that public relief funds may have been directed toward political purposes. If confirmed, using resources intended for struggling businesses to support political activity, including activity involving attacks against other public officials, would be more than financial misconduct. It would be a betrayal of the community that placed its trust in this office.
As Latino elected officials, we have a particular responsibility. We have worked and continue to work twice as hard to earn the confidence of our community. We owe it to our residents and to the next generation of Latino leaders to hold public office to the highest standard, not a lower one.
The conduct alleged in this case does not represent who we are, and it will not define the leadership in Lawrence.
No elected official not the Mayor, not the Council President, and not any member of government is bigger than the City of Lawrence.
Let me be equally clear about what happens next: if Mayor De Peña’s conduct, whether in office or in connection with this case, compromises the operations, integrity, financial stability, or well-being of Lawrence, the City Council will act.
We will use every authority available to us under the Lawrence City Charter to protect this city, and we will not hesitate to do so.
Our priorities remain clear:
Lawrence must continue functioning.
Essential services must be protected.
Public resources must never be misused.
The integrity of City government must be preserved.
The people of Lawrence must always come first.
The City Council will continue monitoring this matter and will keep residents informed with information that is fair, accurate, and respectful of the legal process.
Jeovanny Rodríguez
President, Lawrence City Council
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