Responsible Leadership For Ocotillo

05/16/2025

✅ RECALL SIGNATURES SUBMITTED!!✅

The signatures to initiate the recall of Appointed Ocotillo District Councilmember Baldenegro have been submitted.

A huge THANK YOU to all the dedicated volunteers who helped gather signatures and stood with us every step of the way. Your efforts are making a real difference for our community. 💪

Now, the next phase begins — informing even more residents about why this recall is so important. We’ve already heard from hundreds of Ocotillo residents who’ve said loud and clear:
“BALDENEGRO NEEDS TO GO.”

Let’s make sure every household in the Ocotillo District understands what’s at stake. Please consider donating to help us spread the word through canvassing, flyers, and community outreach. Every dollar helps fuel this grassroots effort.

📣 This is about accountability, transparency, and leadership that truly represents Ocotillo — not political appointments.

Please continue to support and donate to
RECALL APPOINTED OCOTILLO COUNCILMEMBER BALDENEGRO:
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/responsibleleadershipforocotillo

05/14/2025

More disrespect from Appointed Ocotillo District Councilmember Baldenegro.

In his weekly newsletter, Appointed Ocotillo District Councilmember Baldenegro states that he will avail himself
to meet at a downtown Glendale pizza parlor from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. prior to City of Glendale Council workshop Tuesdays.

Yet today (May 13), he was seen parking his vehicle at 11:15 a.m., strolling down the sidewalk, stopping in a store, and proceeding on to the pizza parlor. Estimated arrival time was closer to 11:20 a.m.

We already know from his statement in the newspaper that he is definitely not a driving force for the betterment of Ocotillo, so why are we surprised that he arrives late for engagement with his constituents that he himself announces. Is this another way that he lives his "councilmember lifestyle"?

Please support the recall of Appointed Ocotillo District Councilmember Baldenegro.

05/11/2025

Appointed Ocotillo Councilmember Baldenegro's Disrespect For His District

In a recent AZCentral.com article, Appointed Ocotillo Councilmember Baldenegro made the following comments about his district:

"Using the example of two pizza places, one downtown and one in Westgate, he said both would be important, but recognized that the Westgate shop would bring in more tax revenue. He also said it is a more attractive area for new businesses.
‘I don’t look at it as a them versus us,’ Baldenegro said. ‘I don’t look at it as they pay more attention over there, more focus over there … I look at logistics. They have more space, more open space, they’re far more attractive for prospective business owners to want to be somewhere in Glendale.’"

Sorry, this isn’t about logistics. It’s about priorities. Appointed Councilmember Baldenegro’s comments make it clear:
He does not prioritize downtown Glendale or the Ocotillo District.

Comparing our historic core to Westgate/Yucca District and calling us “less attractive” is an insult to the Ocotillo small businesses and residents who have worked tirelessly over the years to build up our community. The continued neglect of downtown and Ocotillo is unacceptable.
Exactly what is Appointed Councilmember Baldenegro doing to promote his district? To generate new businesses? To actively reach out and engage the entire community? Isn’t it his job to stand up for his district and do everything possible to make it, to use one of his expressions, “more better”?
Self-promoted fishing & go-cart “challenges” with other councilmembers don’t count.
Making jokes rather than offering solid and effective suggestions during recent budget meetings don’t count.

Baldenegro is the “leadership” that the mayor and city council decided would be the best and most effective for the Ocotillo District and unanimously voted to appoint Baldenegro.
Ocotillo deserves a real voice and the right to ELECT the person they want to represent them. Someone who believes in Ocotillo’s future and will fight for the resources and attention we deserve and are currently being denied.
It’s time for change. Before it's too late.

Support the recall of Appointed Councilmember Leandro Baldenegro.

Send a message to learn more

03/30/2025

Something to Consider:
If Appointed Ocotillo District councilmember Leandro Baldenegro has no problem with ignoring policy, rules, and protocol by wearing his GESD uniform while preforming in the capacity of City of Glendale Ocotillo District councilmember and has even gone so far as to justify his disregard for policy, rules, and protocol by making an Ocotillo District councilmember video about why he does this, we all should be very concerned as to what policy, rules, and protocol Leandro Baldenegro is ignoring in his duties as Appointed Ocotillo District councilmember.
He is paid a salary by his constituents using taxpayer dollars and yet he continues to represent the City of Glendale and Ocotillo District by wearing another employer/organization logo uniform.
The Ocotillo District demands Responsible Leadership and respect for themselves and the person who represents them.
RECALL Appointed Ocotillo District councilmember Leandro Baldenegro.
Do not be afraid of retaliation or be intimidated by anyone.
Sign the recall petition when a volunteer knocks on your door.

Send a message to learn more

03/28/2025

Feeling the heat?

As recall signatures continue to be collected, one must wonder if appointed Ocotillo District councilmember Leandro Baldenegro will suddenly start trying to convince his constituents of his "accomplishments"?
Like voting against free speech.
Like changing his vote to save the Velma Teague Library only when he was faced with a recall.
Like voting to give the VAI Resort $18 million.
Like informing his constituents of all of the fun "councilmember lifestyle" activities he gets to participate in.
Like making a video to explain why he films his weekly videos wearing his GESD uniform.
Like telling his "really funny story" at a downtown Glendale event about you never wanting to be the ugly girl.
Like cracking jokes rather than making valuable comments and input when discussing economic development.

The Ocotillo District deserves responsible leadership that understands the position and does not want constituents to "learn along with me".
RECALL APPOINTED OCOTILLO COUNCILMEMBER LEANDRO BALDENEGRO.

Send a message to learn more

03/25/2025

We're Almost There!
The canvassers are wrapping up gathering signatures for the recall, and we are almost at hitting our goal but there is still work to be done and we need your help!

The response to recalling appointed Ocotillo District councilmember Leandro Baldenegro has been overwhelmingly positive. From the hundreds of doors we've knocked on, it’s clear that the residents of Ocotillo strongly feel he’s not performing the way Ocotillo residents deserves. They want a change. They want a recall. They want responsible leadership.

Please consider donating today to help us finish strong. Every dollar counts, and with your support, we will push this campaign across the finish line. https://secure.actblue.com/donate/responsible-leadership-for-ocotillo-1

Let’s keep the momentum going. Together, we will make a real difference and a better Ocotillo

Send a message to learn more

03/14/2025

The Non-Political Appointed Ocotillo Councilmember?
It’s a remarkable feat of verbal gymnastics when an appointed councilmember from Ocotillo takes pride in saying they are not political.

No matter if you are appointed or elected, if you are a member of a public body, let’s say City of Glendale council seat for Ocotillo District, that is passing laws or policies in addition to making and voting on decisions that affect the community you swore to govern and protect, you are, by definition, a politician. There’s no escaping it. You may try to distance yourself from the label to foster a particular image, but the reality is that you cannot make political decisions without being in politics. The sheer audacity to dismiss and disrespect a title is both an insult to the electorate and an attempt to sidestep the accountability that comes with it.

The appointed Ocotillo District councilmember’s attempt to play the "I'm just a regular guy, not one of those fancy politicians" card is not only disingenuous but downright troubling. Is it an effort to avoid scrutiny? To pretend that your decisions are made "to help" and thus somehow "above the system" when they are, in fact, the system? This is a classic move by those who want to wield power without taking responsibility for it. Avoiding the label of “politician” is a way to avoid tough questions and standing behind the policies being forwarded.

And then there are the red flags for deflection and manipulation. It’s easy to claim you’re not a politician when you have never been elected to your position in the first place. Let’s be clear—the appointed Ocotillo District councilmember’s lack of transparency is alarming. Is there engagement in meaningful political discourse or is he trying to avoid it altogether? This claim of not being a politician is just another way to deflect from the important discussions the public needs to have about policy, governance, and accountability.

Claiming you are not a politician is to dismiss the very political process that allows you to be in a position of power in the first place. It’s a disgraceful attempt to strip away the responsibility that comes with holding office. Politicians don’t make decisions in a vacuum. They are the representatives of the people, accountable for their actions. Some may view claims of not being political, being a regular guy, and not knowing/understanding protocol as some type of "don't dislike me for the things I do" ploy. You are the job you do. Or don't do.

Ocotillo deserves better. Ocotillo needs a leader who takes ownership of their role, who stands by the decisions they make, and who does not sidestep or downplay the work that comes with being a councilmember yet the appointed Ocotillo District councilmember has been given a council seat, is supposed to be reaching out to all his constituents, and is currently making decisions that affects not only the Ocotillo District but all of Glendale, yet continues to wave the flag of “non-political”. Stop with the games.
Ocotillo demands accountability. Ocotillo demands a leader who is knowledgeable in the position, transparent in decision making, and who isn’t afraid to own their role in the political system they wanted to be a part of. Ocotillo deserves the right to choose their councilmember.
RECALL APPOINTED OCOTILLO DISTRICT COUNCILMEMBER LEANDRO BALDENEGRO!
Please use this link to make a donation to Responsible Leadership For Ocotillo to move closer to getting the leadership Ocotillo needs:

Send a message to learn more

03/06/2025

Why did the appointed Ocotillo District councilmember have difficulty in understanding the difference between affordable housing and luxury housing regarding a development IN HIS DISTRICT?

Is it too much to expect that the appointed Ocotillo District councilmember exercise due diligence when representing constituents?

How long is the phrase "I'm new" an acceptable excuse for the appointed Ocotillo District councilmember to keep using?

While the appointed Ocotillo District councilmember points out that "we need to be more better", the residents of Glendale's Ocotillo District deserve someone who has the knowledge and skills that will provide them with proper representation and to hear and act upon their voices and concerns.
RECALL APPOINTED OCOTILLO DISTRICT COUNCILMEMBER LEANDRO BALDENEGRO!

Please use this link to make a donation to Responsible Leadership For Ocotillo to move closer to getting the leadership you need.
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/responsibleleadershipforocotillo

Send a message to learn more

02/26/2025

It's time to act!
If you want responsible leadership for Ocotillo and agree that Appointed Councilmember Baldenegro should be recalled, one way to help get the job done is to make donation to Responsible Leadership For Ocotillo.
Your generosity, large or small, is greatly appreciated and will allow Ocotillo to get the leadership and representation they deserve.
Please use this link to make a donation to Responsible Leadership For Ocotillo: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/responsibleleadershipforocotillo

Send a message to learn more

02/25/2025

A Curious Coincidence?

Ocotillo residents continue to look for responsible leadership for their district and continue to question the abilities and professionalism of their current appointed Ocotillo councilmember.

On December 28, 2024 the following was seen in a blog written by a now former Glendale councilperson:

“Whisperings have started that if he doesn’t support keeping Velma Teague where it is, he can look forward to a recall in his future. I think that would be enough to get him to change his position.”

And then suddenly, at the next city council meeting, the appointed Ocotillo Councilmember publicly changed his mind. But why? What TRULY made him change his mind? Could it have been the remark in the blog? We may never know the real reason for the 180 on his library vote but a public comment that he made on January 15, 2025 on Facebook is rather curious, is it not?

"thank you sir. For my courage I was rewarded with an official petition to recall me from my office."

Exactly what type of “reward” was the appointed Ocotillo District councilmember expecting for changing his opinion on the Velma Teague Library? Something that was more in line with his desire to "live the councilmember lifestyle"?
Curiouser and curiouser.

Support the recall of Councilmember Leandro Baldenegro to restore transparency and accountability to the Ocotillo District.

02/14/2025

UPDATE
The Responsible Leadership for Ocotillo volunteers continue to hit the streets collecting signatures for the recall petition.
If you are a concerned Ocotillo District registered voter and feel that Appointed Ocotillo District Councilmember Leandro Baldenegro needs to be recalled, please answer your door and sign the recall petition when our volunteers knock.

Ocotillo District residents deserve the right to vote for their councilmember and to choose someone who has the knowledge and skills that will provide them with proper representation and to hear and act upon their voices and concerns.

RECALL APPOINTED OCOTILLO DISTRICT COUNCILMEMBER LEANDRO BALDENEGRO!

Send a message to learn more

02/10/2025

Selective Constituent Information?
We found it disturbing that Appointed Ocotillo Councilmember Leandro Baldenegro told a story he found “funny” at a family-friendly event on January 25, 2025 which included the line "you never want to be the ugly girl" twice yet for some reason Appointed Councilmember Baldenegro felt the need to edit out his “funny” story from the full video, filmed by the event organizer, when it was posted on the Ocotillo District page. Great to know he has nothing to hide? Thankfully, it is currently set for public viewing on the event organizer’s personal page so catch it while you can. It seems that Appointed Councilmember Baldenegro is now taking suggestions from items we post here…like correcting the About paragraph on the Ocotillo District page.

It has recently come to our attention that Appointed Ocotillo Councilmember Baldenegro appears to be blurring the lines regarding how he imparts his official statements with the public and posts he makes as just a regular guy. In a personal blog written by someone the Appointed Ocotillo Councilmember loves to make laugh, it “reprints” a point by point plea/post/rebuttal of everything he is dealing with as a councilman. The blogger implies that this statement was made on February 2, 2025 and supplies a link to Appointed Ocotillo District Councilmember Baldenegro’s PERSONAL page. So, if you are not personally connected to the Appointed Ocotillo Councilmember on his PERSONAL page, you have no way of seeing what he is saying in his position as a Glendale City Councilmember. This plea/post/rebuttal does not currently appear on Appointed Ocotillo District Councilmember Baldenegro’s “Councilman” page nor is it on the Ocotillo District page. Currently it would appear that the only place a majority of the Appointed Ocotillo District Councilmember Baldenegro constituents and all Glendale citizens can read this statement is on the blog of his biggest cheerleader. Hope he is not being selective as to those he is willing to share information with.

If Appointed Ocotillo District Councilmember Baldenegro truly wants to give his side of his perceived injustice over a potential recall in his appointed councilmember position it might be time to stop looking to others to speak for him and start doing the job he was sworn in to do. It’s time for leadership that listens and respects ALL people.

Support the recall of Councilmember Leandro Baldenegro to restore transparency and accountability to our district.

Send a message to learn more