Fremont Councilmember Rick Jones is making a shocking allegation against one of his council colleagues, according to a referral on next Tuesday’s agenda.

“It has come to my attention that a councilmember presented a proclamation of support regarding an international political conflict on behalf of the mayor and council without their knowledge,” Jones wrote in the referral.

The elected official referenced by Jones, is first-term Fremont Councilmember Teresa Keng, according to several sources.

It is unclear exactly which “international political conflict” is mentioned, but it is believed to be related to China, according to sources.

Jones also alleges the unauthorized proclamation was given to this particular group using the city’s letterhead and logo.

“As this could raise significant concerns, I request the council to direct the city attorney to investigate the matter, determine the facts and legal implications, and advise on possible council actions,” Jones wrote.

“I would also like staff to explore the possibility of creating a formal procedure outlining consequences for such behavior,” he continued.

The allegation is quite significant. Proclamations and resolutions require the support of a majority of the city council. In this case, its ramification could be greater because of the politically sensitive nature of the alleged recipients involved.

The allegation is reminiscent of a case last year during one of Fremont’s city council races. Then-Fremont Councilmember David Bonaccorsi was called out by his opponent, Jennifer Kassan, for sending voters a campaign letter that illegally used Fremont’s official logo.

Like Jones’s referral, the Fremont city attorney became involved and later determined Bonaccorsi’s use of the logo was improper. Bonaccorsi later apologized. He lost the election to Kassan last year.

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