09-06-09, Excerpt from a Vanguard Weekly News Article by Barry Allen Regarding Personal Attacks at City Council Meetings

“In recent weeks both City Council members (CCM) and advocates have lost sight of their goals which, in one case, was to provide recreational resources for our children and grandchildren; and in the other case, to provide mandated accommodations for the disabled community.  Mike Mohill and Dr. Richard Espiritu have allowed their passions to be affected by CCM who transfer the arguments for the betterment of their constituents to personal attacks on those publicly confronting them on these two important issues.”

“As Espiritu and Mohill are merely sensitive people, they take personally the attacks on them by those Council members.  Unlike the Council these two gentlemen speak on behalf of those who, for whatever reason – fear of intimidation or retaliation, choose to keep silent.”

“Mohill and Espiritu can do better if they leave the personalities of the Council at rest and not buy into ‘tit for tat’ leaving the main issue to fester.”

“Here are their arguments: While Council is spending on wages and benefits and bonds, they are forgetting the children who have needs for recreation and education; the disabled community representing 25-35% of the population have the ADA and Title 24 that are designed to provide equal accommodations.  Dr. Espiritu has been chosen to be their advocate to enforce the implementation of these laws that have been on the books since the early 90’s.  In the past the good Doctor has presented slides showing issues with the buses and the curbs and sidewalks.  For the most part the Public Works Department made the necessary corrections.  Dr. Espiritu has spent time, money and effort working with City Staff on ADA issues…for this the Council has taken him to task.”

“Espiritu and other serious advocates should be honored instead of pilloried.”

Barry Allen