Political Gumbo | A Bowl of Advice

Nationally and locally, the next four years are on the line this week as the vote count begins.

Nationally, Trump’s behavior has been shameful, lie after lie. Don’t get me wrong; I expect the candidates to attack each other. But attacking the process and the count before it happens is not leadership; it’s desperation in an already contentious campaign — and at a time when the nation is already deeply divided.

That brings us back to Pasadena. It has to be acknowledged that no matter who wins the race for mayor, incumbent Mayor Terry Tornek and challenger Councilmember Victor Gordo have done good, if not sometimes great work in Pasadena, and they should be commended for their service.

Gordo, of course, will be around either way. If he loses, he may have a bruised ego but he will continue to represent District 5. If he wins, he will be sworn in as mayor and the City Council will begin the process of choosing a new District 5 councilperson. If that happens, I’d prefer a special election so people living in that district can pick their representation, but that’s a topic for another column.

On the other hand, if Tornek loses he will no longer be an elected official. Then he would have to choose whether he is willing to stay involved in another way.

Yes, the stakes are high, but they should be.

The state is still inching toward seizing more control of local housing and zoning ordinances, and we are nowhere near out of the woods regarding the pandemic.

Although our local COVID-19 numbers are low, the pandemic’s second wave could see thousands upon thousands more people laid off and evicted from their homes.

Revenues have been impacted, and legions of local businesses could be forced to close in the past few months.

As has been said before, we do not endorse candidates. Instead, we endorse the right to vote and encourage people to decide who serves on the City Council.

Still, there are some things that need to be said to the winner.
Build consensus and listen to the people. That does not mean that’s the direction to go, but the ability to listen and be engaged can only serve elected officials and their constituents.

The people do not exist to serve the mayor. On the contrary, the mayor and the City Council exist to serve the people.
Be transparent, the Brown Act exists for a reason, and remember your place. You are part of a collective that acts as the city manager’s boss, but you are not solely the city manager’s supervisor, and the mayor is not and should not perform as the city manager.

There is no throne. There is no crown.

Yet, either Gordo or Tornek will be looked upon as if every decision falls at their feet.

No matter who wins, you will be accused of not listening, having an agenda, being corrupt, and yes, you will probably at times be accused of being a racist.

But you sought out the 25 signatures and campaigned, at times admirably, to serve as the city’s mayor.

Keep in mind, the people didn’t call you. You called the people.

Don’t forget that.