During the public comment portion of the most recent Hanford City Council meeting, multiple residents encouraged councilmembers to issue a request for proposals for city attorney services. Speakers cited transparency, cost control, contract length, responsiveness, and long term accountability as key reasons to explore alternative legal representation. Throughout the discussion, audience members were heard clapping in support of the speakers who favored opening the contract to competition, signaling strong public sentiment inside the chamber.
Hanford resident Bob Ramos urged the council to consider competitive bids as a matter of fiscal responsibility. Ramos stated that seeking multiple proposals would help determine which firm offers the best value for taxpayer dollars and added that many cities routinely review legal services every several years to ensure updated expertise and cost effectiveness.
Resident Nick Wagner expressed concerns about how the matter has progressed through previous meetings. Wagner voiced frustration that earlier discussions appeared to move behind closed doors after an initial request to place the item publicly on the agenda.
Hanford resident Mark Pratter, speaking from his experience as a member of the press, described a pattern of unreturned calls and curt interactions from attorneys representing the city. He noted that professional codes of conduct emphasize courtesy, public service, and accessibility, stating that poor communication undermines trust in the legal system.
Resident Larry Faria supported issuing a request for proposals to address what he described as public concerns about possible favoritism and backroom decision making. Faria stated that a transparent competitive process could calm speculation and validate whichever firm ultimately receives the contract.
Hanford resident Cheyne Strawn shared feedback gathered from elected officials throughout the Central Valley. Strawn stated that long term contracts for legal services are uncommon and that shorter terms provide flexibility if performance changes. He also expressed concerns about monthly costs and the need to balance quality with financial prudence.
Former Mayor Francisco Ramirez provided examples from his time in office, including internal investigations and litigation outcomes that, in his opinion, did not align with legal advice provided to the city. Ramirez encouraged the council to obtain competitive proposals and stated that recent guidance regarding study sessions has been inaccurate.
Speakers emphasized that a request for proposals would not prevent the current law firm from continuing to serve the city. Instead, they stated it would confirm their value through a public and competitive process, strengthening community trust.
Notably, no residents spoke in opposition to issuing a request for proposals during public comment. The visible and vocal support inside the chamber added momentum to the push for transparency.
The council did not vote on the item due to the absence of Councilwoman Kimber Regan. The discussion is expected to return to the agenda at a future meeting so that all councilmembers may participate.
Residents are encouraged to share their input at the next Hanford City Council meeting.
Next Meeting
Tuesday, November 18th, 2025 at 7pm. Meeting
Council Chambers
400 N. Douty Street
You still have time to voice your opinion.
Transparency Note from the Author
For full transparency, this article was written by Francisco Ramirez, former Mayor of Hanford. My name appears at the bottom of this article as its author, and I also acknowledge in the accompanying video that I am the former mayor.
I encourage all readers not to take my word alone on any issue raised here. Please conduct your own research and, if needed, file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request regarding my statements about being investigated alongside Justin Mendez.
I want to be clear that I hold no personal vendetta against anyone involved. My position is consistent with the many residents who spoke during the meeting, calling for a Request for Proposals (RFP) for city attorney services to ensure transparency and fairness.
When I served as mayor, I continued working with the same law firm for nearly six years after the incident in question to avoid any appearance of bias or retaliation. Only now, years later, am I addressing the matter publicly to promote accountability and open government, not to pursue personal grievances.
Francisco Ramirez is the founder of Kings Network News and creator of Kings Network Business, a platform that blends business networking, community support, and social media to uplift local entrepreneurs.
As a former Mayor of Hanford, California, he launched the Winter Wonderland event and brings over 20 years of business consulting experience. He is also a motivational speaker, life coach, strategist, author, podcaster, and skilled web and graphic designer.
He created The Invisible Kid: Courage to Succeed, a seminar on self-esteem and anti-bullying that has inspired youth across the region. Through media and consulting, Francisco empowers others to lead, grow, and make an impact.
