Statement on Recent Allegations and Misinformation Concerns
Natalia Rane would like to address the recent misinformation fabricated by Frank Buntz, former councilman currently in custody after confessing to the murder of Gary Rasmussen.
During his tenure as Councilman, Mr. Buntz participated in official public meetings where community matters were openly discussed. These meetings were accessible to all residents and fully documented through transcripts and online recordings. There is no record whatsoever of an individual named Sylvester Sawyer participating in any City Council meetings. This is a verifiable fact supported by public records.
Frank Buntz's role was strictly legislative and propositional. City Councilmembers focus on discussing public policy; they do not oversee the city’s daily operations, which are managed by administrative offices. Given the nature of his position, Mr. Buntz did not have access to insider knowledge or privileged information regarding the workings of the City Government. By asserting that he possesses “secret and privileged information,” Mr. Buntz is employing a tactic commonly associated with conspiracy theories, attempting to portray himself as a credible source while diverting attention from his own crimes.
All financial transactions involving departments are regularly audited. This dedication is further highlighted by initiatives like Citilink, our new digital platform providing public access to government operations and financial data.
The idea that Mr. Buntz has any privileged knowledge is nothing more than a desperate attempt to shift attention away from the serious crime he committed—the calculated and cold-blooded murder of a man, cutting short a promising life and leaving a grieving family behind. His tenure in office, however, tells a very different story: during his brief time as a Councilmember, Mr. Buntz failed to introduce any legislation or contribute meaningfully to the community.
We hope that the next candidates elected to serve Los Santos will embody the values of integrity, transparency, and a strong commitment to public service.