At first glance, you might think pressure or other issues, but his reason for leaving is geographical. But now it leaves the City Council in a pickle with the Department of Agriculture.

Prosser recently was criticized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for not having enough ethnic representation on the City Council, which is largely made up of white males. Voters did elect Humberto Rodriguez, but it was announced he will be stepping down July 27th.

His reason for leaving is due to his family moving to a new home outside the city limits, therefore making it impossible for him to remain on the council.  Most cities have residency as a requirement to run or serve on the council, and he voluntarily said he is stepping down for that reason.

But the bigger issue is now Prosser has to deal with the USDA.  Many would ask why is the Department of Agriculture making this call about ethnic diversity on the council?

The reason is if a city uses any USDA grant money or funds for a project, such as rural or outlying water supplies or other infrastructure, they area routinely selected for audits of their governmental performance. The USDA criticized Prosser and the way they advertised openings for city council, and publicized elections.

They claimed the city didn't do enough to inform Hispanic citizens of the open positions. Rodriguez was elected in this city which has 30% Hispanics, but now the city will be tasked with trying to fill his opening.

According to officials, the city has undertaken several steps to seek out prospective Hispanics who might want to seek a position on the council.

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