Rancho Cucamonga City Council meetings often conclude with unanimous 5-0 votes, a pattern that has prompted some residents to ask an important question:
How are decisions being made—and when?
City Council candidate David VanGorden, who is running for District 2 in the November 2026 election, says the goal is not to criticize the process, but to better understand it.
“In any organization, it’s natural for people to agree on some issues,” VanGorden said. “But when every vote is unanimous, every time, it’s reasonable for residents to wonder how those decisions are being reached.”
Understanding the Numbers
Rancho Cucamonga City Council typically meets twice per month. If we assume one vote per meeting, that would result in approximately 24 votes per year.
If five individuals were voting independently on each issue, the likelihood of every vote being unanimous across an entire year would be extraordinarily small.
In fact, the probability would be roughly:
1 in 79 octillion —that’s 79 followed by 27 zeros.
Putting It in Perspective
Of course, council members discuss issues before public meetings. That is part of the normal process. But the consistency of unanimous outcomes raises a broader question:
When are the real decisions being made—during the public meeting, or before it?
VanGorden says this is not about assigning blame, but about encouraging transparency and public understanding.
“Residents take the time to attend meetings and share their thoughts,” he said. “It’s important that they feel those meetings are where decisions are truly being made.”
A Question Worth Asking
VanGorden believes that even small changes in how decisions are approached can make a meaningful difference.
“A 4-1 vote doesn’t mean conflict—it means discussion,” he said. “It shows that different perspectives are being considered.”
He says increasing transparency in decision-making is one way to help rebuild trust between residents and city leadership.
Continuing the Conversation
VanGorden will be discussing issues related to development, infrastructure, and public input at upcoming community meetings, including the April 7 California Republican Assembly (CRA) meeting in Rancho Cucamonga.
Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the conversation. Get more information please click David VanGorden for Rancho Cucamonga City Council.
ABOUT DAVID VANGORDEN
David VanGorden is a retired law enforcement officer and longtime Rancho Cucamonga resident. He is running for Rancho Cucamonga City Council in District 2 in the November 2026 election against incumbent Kristine Scott.
His campaign focuses on responsible growth, infrastructure planning, fiscal accountability, and ensuring residents have a stronger voice in local government.
Residents with questions or concerns about life in Rancho Cucamonga please click Contact David VanGorden
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