Lawmakers declare term extension bill valid

In a close-door meeting held Tuesday evening at Rosarito Beach City Hall state lawmakers triggered nationwide criticism after validating the constitutional reform that extends next governor’s term.

The so-called Bonilla Act, which will extend Gov.-elect Jaime Bonilla’s term to five years, was ratified after the Assembly voted 21-1 July 8 in favor of the proposal.

Within three days Tecate, Ensenada and Rosarito Beach city council members approved the bill.

Mexicali and Tijuana city councils voted against the bill ,and their respective mayors Gustavo Vasquez and Gastélum filed constitutional lawsuits with the Mexican Supreme Court.

Bonilla, a former Republican registered voter in San Diego County who served more than a decade as an Otay Water District Board member, was elected June 2 with 50 percent of the vote running under the leftwing Presidential National Regeneration Movement. Lawmakers with the National Action Party majority complained during the meeting as the agenda was not publicized appropriately.

The now six-member governing party’s Assembly caucus voted against the ratification.

On Twitter, political leaders, commentators and even allies of the governor’s and president’s party have criticized the bill’s ratification.

Gov. Francisco Vega has previously said he plans to veto the bill. However, political party leaders have urged him to enact the bill to allow the filing of Constitutional lawsuits.