A Few Questions for Future Council Personnel

Shady characters need not apply

By Kelvin Wade | | September 25, 2008 16:59

Last week, I enjoyed a cruise to Cabo San Lucas. The trip was long planned but came at the right time to decompress after the horrific killing of Matt Garcia. But I took Matt with me in the form of a Matt Garcia button I wore for most of my vacation, and I shared his story with everyone who asked.

When I returned last Saturday, a new horror awaited in the conviction and suicide of Frank Kardos. I can't say that I was surprised by the outcome. But what's done is done and I hope the community extends its support, prayers and concern to Frank Kardos' children.

The potential legal problems of council members needs to be addressed in the interview process. When John English was arrested, though I supported him on a personal level, I was one of the first to call for him to step down. Our relationship soured and Fairfield rode that crazy rollercoaster ride with English for eight long months.

So, in the harsh light of the reality of what's happened in our city, I think we have to ask more of the City Council finalists than whether they grasp the financial pressures the city is under and even whether they support continuing Matt Garcia's work.

We need leadership we can trust and believe in.

To the final applicants, I would say if there is something in your past that would negatively impact the city, seriously consider withdrawing your application.

If you're being investigated for illegal activity or have charges pending, withdraw from the process. Years ago, Paul Randhawa ran for office even after having questions raised about his business practices on a Bay Area news program and he ended up being arrested the day before Election Day.

Galen Lawton ran for council last year while facing charges stemming from medical marijuana. It doesn't matter if we sympathize with medical marijuana. Bringing legal troubles into city politics is not good for Fairfield.

Why not sign a pledge saying that if you're charged with a felony, that you will resign your seat? One of the things I admired about Matt Garcia is he assured me that he would've stepped down if he got into trouble while on the council. He recognized the responsibility he had as both a role model and emissary for Fairfield.

If you have a current substance abuse issue, please withdraw your application. Of course, if you're an addict, you may be in denial. Ask those around you if they think this is a good move for you.

Will you submit to drug testing? I want the pilot who flies the plane I ride on to be drug tested, so why shouldn't I want the people entrusted to pilot this city to be drug tested as well?

Finally, what's wrong with having another application process for Kardos' seat? Why not let the council member who assumes Garcia's seat help in the selection of the one who will fill the other vacancy? Perhaps potential applicants shied away from applying for Garcia's seat because they didn't want the pressure of trying to fill his shoes.

We need to ensure we select the best people for Fairfield. Peace.

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I kept my poweder dry on Frank Kardos this week because I didn't want to add to his children's pain in their hometown newspaper. But it irks me to hear people speak of him in the same breath as Matt Garcia. I read the article in the Daily Republic today where John Mraz and others talk about Kardos' commitment to Fairfield.

He was so committed that he wouldn't get off the Council after his arrest. He arrogantly dragged the city through his mess. I've praised Frank Kardos in the past for his work. He did do valuable work on the Council. He was effective at first. But after his arrest, he became like a ghost in the city. There's been a Sword of Damocles hanging over the city ever since his arrest.

I don't want to hear what Frank Kardos did for Fairfield because I can't get past what he did TO Fairfield. Too arrogant to step down. Then he's going to take his life knowing how vulnerable this city is following the death of Matt Garcia? I know one thing for sure. Frank Kardos cared about Frank Kardos.

I had a feeling he would take his life. It didn't come as a shock to me. People who know me know that my brother took the life of his girlfriend and his own. They know I helped co-found the Bay Area Survivors of Suicide. I've seen hundreds of surviving families. I've talked to hundreds of people on this subject. And for that reason, after seeing the devastating effect suicide has on families, I can't stomach it when I read Kardos' attorney saying how much Frank loved his kids.

I have all the sympathy in the world for Frank's family, especially his kids. It's horrific what they're dealing with. It's a monstrous pain that will diminish but never go away. I refuse to honor Frank Kardos and hope we get competent, honest, non-violent Council members who can work hard for Fairfield and manage to avoid a freakin' felony arrest.

Check out the DR Other Side blog for my thanks to Fairfield leaders.

Check out the Wading In Blog for lighter fare on my recent trip to down South of the border.