The board and membership of Centro Civico Mexicano voted 17-8 Tuesday night to oust embattled president John Renteria.
"It's their loss," Renteria said after the meeting. "I'll continue to support the organization, but obviously my commitment has lessened."
The vote barely surpassed the requirement of a two-thirds majority to remove Renteria, who has been president of the 68-year-old Hispanic nonprofit organization for about 18 months.
Vice president Richard Montano was appointed Tuesday as the organization's acting president.
The meeting was held in a conference room on the second story of Centro Civico's white-brick building at 155 S. 600 West. Through open windows, members were serenaded by a mariachi band practicing in the gym downstairs.
The meeting was well-ordered but combative from the beginning, with the group arguing over such things as the minutes from previous meetings and how the vote against Renteria should be taken.
Former Centro Civico board member Alex Gallegos led the charge against Renteria. He told the group that organization under Renteria has been poor and Renteria has not been willing to share leadership of the group with the board. Gallegos did not mention several points listed in a letter sent to the group's membership about Renteria's impeachment.
"We cannot and should not be (Renteria's) path to success," Gallegos said. "I wish him well — somewhere else."
Renteria rebutted the arguments made against him. He referred to problems the organization has had with thefts and debt, and referred to board members who have been with the organization for many decades as "recycled."
"We can't (make progress) with the old-timers on this board controlling what we do here," he said. "Removing me is removing the future."
Board members and group members then had the chance to speak for two minutes each. The issue of Renteria's arrest and subsequent jailing for driving-related crimes came up, as did his candidacy for Salt Lake City mayor. Some spoke in favor of Renteria, saying he should be allowed to finish his term and that ousting him would make the organization look bad.
Others said they were disappointed in Renteria's criminal behavior and leadership style but liked some of his ideas.
Montano said after the meeting he was looking forward to galvanizing the local Hispanic community and bringing it together during the upcoming 2008 U.S. presidential elections. He said he hoped to keep the group moving forward and would utilize some of Renteria's ideas.
"I think it's wonderful that we had the turnout we had tonight," he said. "I ask for current and past members to rejoin our efforts."
Centro Civico will host a Mexican Independence Day celebration at its building Sept. 15 and 16, and is looking for vendors and volunteers.
To learn more about Centro Civico or to volunteer to help with the upcoming festival, call 801-359-9316 or visit the organization's Web site at www.centrocivicomexicano.com.
E-mail: rpalmer@desnews.com