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Tito Ortiz’s political career may have hit a snag.
The former UFC light heavyweight champion and Hall of Famer was elected to city council of Huntington Beach, Calif. (Ortiz’s hometown) in November and designated Mayor Pro Tem on Dec. 7.
The Pro Tem position means that Ortiz is to serve as mayor in the event that the current mayor is unable to perform their duties for whatever reason. Ortiz would also be in line to become mayor after one year of service.
However, on Thursday, a motion was presented by Mayor Kim Carr and council members Mike Posey and Dan Kalmick to remove Ortiz from his role as Mayor Pro Tem. Ortiz did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Huntington Beach Mayor Pro Tem Tito Ortiz continues to be a lightning rod during the pandemic for refusing to wear a mask at public events.
The issue resurfaced Wednesday when Ortiz and other volunteers handed out food in the Oak View Community Center parking lot and were met by a small band of protestors.
“As a kid growing up, a couple of my buddies lived in this neighborhood and I lived downtown,” Ortiz said. “It felt like I fit in here, and I’ve always gave to charity every Christmas-time … It was a good opportunity.”
Oak View community activist Victor Valladares attended the event and criticized Ortiz, the top vote-getter in the last council election, for his positions on disease transmission and other topics.
Huntington Beach Mayor Pro Tem Tito Ortiz continues to be a lightning rod during the pandemic for refusing to wear a mask at public events.
The issue resurfaced Wednesday when Ortiz and other volunteers handed out food in the Oak View Community Center parking lot and were met by a small band of protesters.
“As a kid growing up, a couple of my buddies lived in this neighborhood and I lived downtown,” Ortiz said. “It felt like I fit in here, and I always gave to charity every Christmastime. … It was a good opportunity.”
Oak View community activist Victor Valladares attended the event and criticized Ortiz, the top vote-getter in the last City Council election, for his positions on disease transmission and other topics.