By Emerson Drake
10/9/10
In a move similar to dealing straight from the bottom of the deck, Mayor Jim Ridenour citing Dave Geer's comments made to the Bee regarding Jeremiah Williams financial troubles, removed Dave and replaced him with Dave Lopez.
Geer stated he was very interested in Williams and considered him to be the front runner until his troubles were placed on display by the Bee. Jeremiah Williams was a favorite of Ridenour's to replace Olsen on the City Council.
Ridenour used an opinion by City Attorney Susana Acala Woods that Geer is prejudiced against Williams after his comment in the Bee article.
One would think that since the financial difficulties of Williams have been made public along with those of another contender to the throne Joan Clendenin, that everything would have to be considered to be in the "mix" as far as decision making is concerned.
The public was originally being dealt a card from the bottom of the deck by not being allowed to vote for Olsens replacement.
Unfortunately Olsen's monthly pay check from sitting on the council is more important to her than the people she allegedly represents. If Olsen had resigned back in July people would have been able to vote for her replacement as part of the November election at no additional cost to the taxpayers.
And now Ridenour in a blatant attempt to spin the wheel of fortune in a direction he prefers has slighted the citizens yet again.Maybe Ridenour was inspired by the men arrested at the Turlock card room for" enhancing the outcome of a card game" and has attempted it here in Modesto.
Why, because he can, after all, it's legal.
