Rusty Strait | Senior Reporter
To paraphrase an old adage, there is a time to be born and a time to die. The Hemet City Council’s current political race gives support to that old saying and that’s why I am supporting John Petty in his race for City Council in the 5th District against Linda Krupa. Linda and I were founding members of the Hemet Library Foundation. I’ve always considered her a friend. Real friends do not rubber stamp their friends. They are honest and forthright in telling them the truth, not just what they want to hear. She might think otherwise of me when she reads this. That’s up to her. Linda was first elected twelve years ago in 2010.
At the same election, voters passed a term limits measure by 89% capping the total time in office at twelve years. Linda is ignoring the overwhelming intent of the voters. In polite company, she would be considered to have overstayed her welcome. Going further, on several occasions, Linda has chosen personal politics over the best interests of Hemet. When the grossly overpaid former City Attorney’s contract was on the agenda, Linda voted to keep him rather than obtain a far less expensive replacement. With the new City Attorney on board (over Linda’s no vote), taxpayers are saving more than $1.5 million each year. Linda stood in the way of this much-needed change for her own political agenda with no regard for the Hemet taxpayers. Another example of selfish politics was the recent Joe Males appointment issue. Linda’s no-vote forced a special election costing taxpayers more than $40,000. It doesn’t take a nuclear scientist to see that this was a blatant power move that kept Joe off the City Council for six months.
It cost the city unnecessary wasted time and money, leaving Linda looking foolish. There are several more reasons I can mention, but those paying attention already know about Linda’s habit for traveling on the taxpayer’s dime, the dramatic increase of crime during her watch, the misuse of Measure “U” funds, and on and on. My endorsement of John Petty is a no-brainer. I’ve done my research. He is a native son who left the valley to obtain a legal education. Afterward, he returned to pursue a career. John is a man who understands that progress in Hemet depends on bringing business into the community. He has brought to Hemet more stores and small businesses than anyone realizes and he has shown a genuine concern for the community he comes from and lives in.
His service on the County Planning Commission for numerous years has given him a working knowledge of the ins and outs of government. His business expertise will be a great asset to the City Council. His “get it done” attitude is what Hemet so sorely needs at a time when there is so much “my way or the highway” in local politics.
I strongly support his election and encourage all who really want to see this city move forward to vote for him and empower him to help move the city forward instead of going back to the past. We don’t need the past. We’ve already been there.
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