Chavez ducks the vote. That’s not leadership.
A city leader must make a stand. Vote “yes” or vote “no,” but for heaven’s sake, do something and be part of the solution.
Fresno City Councilman Luis Chavez recently decided to do nothing. He didn’t even bother to vote on the proposal to contribute public funds to help establish a legal defense fund for undocumented immigrants facing possible deportation. The proposal failed on a 4-2 vote, with Mr. Chavez not voting at all.
He later told The Bee he didn’t vote because of uncertainty over how the money would be used or who would be eligible for the funds. It’s Mr. Chavez’s job to know! If he has concerns about proposals, then get involved in the process and help draft a proposal that is more clear.
Mr. Chavez probably represents the largest population of immigrants in the city, yet he sat silently and did nothing. This was a poor example of “leadership.” I hope it doesn’t continue.
Douglas L. Gordon, Fresno
This story was originally published June 27, 2017 at 1:42 PM with the headline "Chavez ducks the vote. That’s not leadership.."