Justice Denied?

How long is too long to wait?
By Kelvin Wade | | February 06, 2008 21:12

Last week, we learned that the domestic violence trial of Fairfield City Councilman Frank Kardos, which was supposed to start this month, has been delayed until July. How long will Fairfielders have to wait to see this case come to some resolution?

It was a year ago that Kardos was arrested for domestic battery when his ex-girlfriend alleged that the councilman had choked her. She described threatening and stalking behavior in a subsequent request for a restraining order.

Fairfielders were rightly shocked by the charges. Kardos, who was vice principal at Armijo High was placed on paid administrative leave but continued serving on the council despite early calls for him to step down. A public who had recently endured the John English methamphetamine and Paul Randhawa fraud scandals, had little stomach for another round. By this time during the John English soap opera, English had already put on a pathetic, yet weirdly entertaining display representing himself in court, publicly attacked his detractors at a City Council meeting, been convicted, and already re-offended. At least Fairfield saw that sad spectacle resolve itself in a year's time.

A cynic might think the goal is to merely kick the case down the road hoping memories fade, public interest wanes and maybe the councilman can finish his term without fear of losing his seat if convicted.

Our justice system moves at a glacial pace. And Mr. Kardos is within his rights to request continuances to prepare and defend himself of the charges. But it's also within a voter's right to say, in a situation like this, when is justice delayed, justice denied? Should someone in dual positions of public trust be held to some higher standard?

I'm not trying to try Mr. Kardos in the press. We all must hold out hope that one day the continuances will come to an end. He deserves to have his day in court and the facts will be determined by a jury of his peers.

Last week's continuance was just a reminder that the elephant is still in the room. The dark cloud is still hanging over the head of one of our City Council members, and in that regard, still hangs over the city.

Let's hope justice is done this summer.

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The Fairfield City Council made the right move voting to slash water rates by 12 percent. It makes sense to give the people back their money since it can no longer be used by the city. The average family should save less than $6 a month starting next month.

I could use that extra five bucks and change a month to . . . uh . . . um . . . what can you do with five bucks these days? Oh I know! You could pool it with other residents and use the money for things like park maintenance, public works and arts programs. Wow, that would be quite a return on such little investment.

Oh wait a minute. We had that opportunity last year when we sent Measure Q down in flames.

Maybe I can buy a coffee. I wonder if I'll have enough left over to get a scone. Peace.

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This week's column is self-explanatory. I just wanted to ask how long we were going to have to wait to see justice done in the Kardos case. I know the wheels of justice turn slowly and if he were a private citizen...just a private citizen, perhaps I would not care as much. But he's a public official in dual positions of public trust.

And if you check out my DR blog, you'll find my thoughts on a weighty issue. CLICK HERE


And if you must Wade in to the other blog, you might find my take on an idiot using profanity in public. CLICK HERE.