Pinkard Overlooked for Mayor Pro Tem

When Oxnard Mayor Manny Lopez was elected, we were promised no special-interest groups, no favoritism, no nepotism and the ability of this mayor to vote on issues because he did not have property throughout the city, did not belong to a number of organizations seeking funds from the city, and had a desire to treat all members of the City Council fairly. If people have been noticing his votes and actions, none of the above has been proven.

First, his relative is the city clerk; he has not declined to vote on issues for organizations of which he is a board member, and his speech about correcting an injustice of the previous mayor and appointing Councilman Plisky as mayor pro tem was great until he skipped over the rightful mayor pro tem several weeks ago. The highest vote-getter in the last election was Bedford Pinkard. How did he get skipped as the next mayor pro tem?

African Americans and others may need to reconsider next election. The mayor pro tem should have been our first African American to the council--Councilman Bedford Pinkard. We may be quiet, but a number of us are watching, and we do remember and vote. With the new year, take a renewed look at what is going on in the council each week. Note who is speaking and voting for the good of all the citizens of Oxnard. We do not always have to agree, but there should be some accountability.

There is more to being in office than talking the talk. The person should also walk the walk. I will be watching; how about you?

SHIRLEY BUMPUS

Oxnard