Antioch Mayor Wade Harper may face a recall petition later this year after being blasted by residents during Public Comments at Tuesdays City Council meeting.
The residents accused the mayor of being “missing in action” when it comes to the bad things happening in the city while being first in line to take photos during positive things. They also accused him of not following through on campaign promises of being tough on crime.
Resident Rich Buongiorno put the Mayor on notice saying he was giving notice that he was part of group who will begin a recall petition and that they intend to seek a recall and removal of Wade Harper from the office of Mayor of Antioch California.
Ken Turnage encouraged the Mayor to step down.
“I am here today because of a failure. We as a City made a mistake in electing you as Mayor Wade Harper as our mayor,” said Turnage. “You had a great speech with a good message about being tough on crime the smoke and mirrors your campaign used to get you elected have been blown away by the hurricane of crime and violence we are living in and trying to conduct business under.”
Below are the full Public Comments provided by Buongiorno and Turnage:
Rich Buongiorno comments:
I was born and raised here, it gives me about almost 7 decades of experience in this town and I am not happy. I am sure that most everybody is not very pleased with what is going on in this city. Shouldn’t be going on but it is.
I watch the news, I see the mayors representing their communities and constituents it’s their duty, it’s what they are supposed to do. Mr. Mayor, I am not happy, when it comes to the bad stuff you are not there, you are just not there. If it’s the good stuff, you are there with a big smile on your face, but if there are TV cameras or the news, you are not there. You are MIA, sorry, I just don’t see you.
Crime and violence is getting worse, it used to be a bad thing now and then and now it’s a constant. It’s a daily occurrence and that should not be happening.
I’ve been trying to send you emails, nor have I received a response as recently as Wednesday I sent you all an email. Not happy, but that is why I am here tonight.
I am here tonight for one reason. I posted a Letter on Facebook, wasn’t asking for comments, I wasn’t soliciting for anything at all, nothing whatsoever, merely what is happening. I got over 1,500 people who responded to that in less than 48-hours.
They are not happy either, they all have one thing they want, and that is peace, but you know what is worse, they want a new Mayor, they want a new city council. They have had it. They are not happy. They are not happy at all sir.
I can only say one thing and its probably not going make you very happy right now and I am going to have to read it because it’s so extensive.
California Election Code Section 11020, we as qualified voters in Contra Costa County of the State of California hereby give notice that we are the proponents of a recall petition and that we intend to seek your recall and removal from the office of Mayor of Antioch California.
We will demand an election of a successor in that office, city council members, be prepared you may have one or two of these forms waiting for you to.
Ken Turnage Comments
I am here to be piggy backing off Rich’s comments unintentionally but its just going to seem to work out that way.
I am here today because of a failure. We as a City made a mistake in electing you as Mayor Wade Harper as our mayor. You had a great speech with a good message about being tough on crime the smoke and mirrors your campaign used to get you elected have been blown away by the hurricane of crime and violence we are living in and trying to conduct business under.
I applaud the fact that you were willing to give it a shot and attempt to be a leader, but sir, you are not a leader. You are half-way through your term and during that time our crime rate has skyrocketed. I don’t care what statistics say, I can see it with my own eyes. Violence has become a constant and businesses are closing their doors because they cannot be protected.
If it a positive situation, you run to it, you embrace it, and you are first in line to smile and take a picture. Last week, when our city was taking another black eye in the media over crimes being committed at Deer Valley Plaza by the youths of our city, you were nowhere to be found. Don Gill, the superintendent, the Chief Allan Cantando were there, stood there and answered questions. Whether you agreed with their comments, or not, they were there. Where were you?
A true leader would have been there to answer questions, good, bad or indifferent. Instead, you were hiding with your head buried in the sand like an Ostrich. You were elected to be the leader and the face of our city and that is something you were just not made up to be.
So please show that you care for our community and have the self-respect and integrity to admit you have failed and step down as mayor. Failure is nothing to be ashamed of, we have all failed in our lives but lying to yourself and holding onto a position you are not qualified for is something to be ashamed of. If you do step down, I will be the first one to stand in line and thank you for the service you have provided.
Mayor Wade Harper interrupted Turnage and said “That won’t happen”.
Turnage replied “When your tenure is looked upon, you will go down as the biggest bust ever in the City of Antioch.”
As Turnage was walking away, Mayor Harper replied that “Everyone is entitled to have their opinions and we respect their opinions”.
Later during the Mayors Comments, the Mayor explained that his seat is the “hot seat” and they have to listen to comments and take criticisms which is why they need thick skin.
“A lot of things we do that do not go out in the press and do not get the photo opportunities,” said Harper.
He explained the series of meetings to host a recent event at Contra Loma Park in the Sycamore area where services and items were given away through faith-based outreach. He explained that when it comes to crime, he is aware and have been having meetings with the School Superintendent and the Chief. He also will be meeting with the management at the Deer Valley Plaza
“A lot of times, people do not see what we do,” proclaimed Harper. “People are entitled to their opinion and we as leaders have to listen and do a better job when we can, but I like hearing what are we doing as a community, not just what are you going to do, but what are we going to do because this is our community together. It is election season and I know people are running for office so we have to keep that in mind when we elect people we want to put in office.”
44 comments
Appears to me that two people are grandstanding. 2 people out of 100,000+ people complaining? Maybe instead of complain, they can be part of the solution.
Steve. Are you new to the site. Obviously you are. To say that they are grandstanding is crazy. You should open your eyes instead of your mouth. These are two people who are fed up with the current system and obviously want change. What do you think they would be grandstanding for. They are not running in this coming election. Now sure about rich but o know that Ken turnage has done numerous things for this community.
I asked in my previous comment for supports of harper and Steve pops up. He has his eyes open about as much as harper.
Yeah, you better get a gun and be ready to protect your family, or you can move. But they will follow you there too people must lead and take their town back instead of takin shit. It can be done if you want it. Section 8 ruined that town dummies
@ Steve.
FYI – Ken Turnage organized a BBQ on Aug. 16
https://eastcountytoday.net/antioch-united-bbq-event-scheduled-for-august-16/
I was unable to attend the BBQ event, but would like to know about what was discussed and of any resolutions to be acted upon.
Steve you are ignorant and know not of the people you speak. That isn’t grand standing. These people have nothing to gain from this…why would they be grand standing? They are far from only 2 people complaining. People are complaining everywhere. They just don’t all do it at a meeting due to various reasons such as being at work, unaware of the meeting, too shy to speak in front of an audience, etc. And btw really cute with the “go out and be part of the solution” snipe. First of all you may want to familiarize yourself with what logical fallacies are. Secondly, you don’t know these people. I am familiar with Ken Turnage though. Despite being a busy man running a business…that btw generates tax money for this city and employs local citizens…he participates in community service and has spent YEARS volunteering as a coach for local children. Maybe you should step out from behind that keyboard, instead of being a grandstanding troll, and participate in your community. You may even run into Ken some time.
they are two people that are speaking for the majority of adults in this city. the recall will show you they aren’t grandstanding. what are you doing? nothing!
About time people are speaking up. Harper has been MIA when needed because he is in a meeting. His classic response is “at a meeting” or “we are having a meeting”. This is a slam dunk for Antioch. Love Ken Turnages line of Harper being the biggest bust.
Harper is now a substitute teacher at Antioch Unified School District.
He is not a substitute teacher. He is teaching law enforcement classes.
Harper teaches classes in law enforcement at AHS.
Mr. Harper teaching law enforcement classes is the very definition of ironic.
The circus continues. I have read on more then one occasion the mayor say ” that won’t happen” when asked to step down from office. From what I read,he does not even have the common courtesy to wait until Mr. Turnage is don’t speaking. Does Harper have any supporters. I never see any on this or any other blog. I wonder if he was as absent a police administrated as he is an absent mayor. Maybe that is why you left Tracy PD early. Sounds like the way of your life and it is time to leave Antioch early.
Mayor Harper has a habit of criticizing many many public speakers. He is very sarcastic and critical. He may be bi-polar. Probably the rudest mayor I have ever seen in nearly 50 years here.
We need Jesus to reach these people.. He is in the changing lives business
Mayor Harper is or has been a minister in another life
Thank you Mr Rich Buongiorno for being part of the solution. We will supoort 100% for the Mayor Wave to step down!
Let’s see…..this Mayor sounds like most politicians. And I wonder if these same people complaining voted for the crooked democrats which are destroying our state and our nation! If I am wrong I apologize. I hope that we start voting all crooked politicians who are wanting to raise gas taxes and always want more of our hard earned dollars to waste fully spend.
He is not vested in this town. Do some simple research of public records, his home is in foreclosure. They have hired what, 3-4 officer in the past year? A joke. The mayor has been horrible and he needs to go.
Not in defense of the mayor but Chief Cantando has hired about 24 officers. Nearly that many have retired or gone out on disability. Our NET GAIN is 3.
When asked to step down, the mayor’s response, “That won’t happen” is a SLAP IN THE FACE TO EVERY RESIDENT OF ANTIOCH! This is also a slap in the face to democracy.
The last mayor in the media that was asked to step down and refused to do so was that crack smoking Mayor Rob Ford.
Harper is rude, delusional, narcissistic, and a failure at his job. Antioch’s quality of life has decreased under his service. He has turned a blind eye to the major issue we face in this city –crime! . He lied to us about having “zero tolerance” for crime.
Here is the definition of narcissism: gratification derived from admiration of one’s own physical or mental attributes, being a normal condition at the infantile level of personality development.
That sounds like someone who is not mature enough to admit he is failing his job and should step down for the good of Antioch and its residents. His claim about doing a lot “behind the scene” is ridiculous. Why does it have to be “behind the scene”? Your actions should be transparent to the citizens of Antioch. To me, that sounds like a poor excuse for not knowing how to do your job.
HE NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. Use social media to spread the word around. Set up petition posts ran by volunteers. Heck, I’ll volunteer! Get those signatures and get the process started. The funds needed to have this done is very small compared to the how much we will benefit from having a good mayor who takes priority and seriousness with decreasing crime.
Where to get these funds? Use the measure C funds in the general fund. The purpose of this money is to improve the quality of life in Antioch. Use some of that money for the recall process since it isn’t being used (or very little of it) for hiring new cops and code enforcement. The cost should be very small given a city of about 100K people.
Amen
Step down Mr Harper, you’re embarrassing to watch, listen too and embarrassing yourself. You’re simply not qualified.
I applaud Rich and Ken. I will be there to support them. Wade Harper is a huge EPIC fail in Antioch and needs TO GET OUT of office. Why do ALL THESE POLITICIANS always have great speeches and promises but never seem to follow through on them when elected? Yeah I know, just say things they don’t mean. I feel as the guys do that Wade Harper is always around when something positive is happening and is totally missing with all the other crime stuff that was in the news. People are fed up and if the guys received 1500 responses in a short time I’m sure more than half of Antioch’s residence would also back them. Wade Harper do us all a favor and GET OUT!!!
Wade’s game plan is to use Antioch to get elected to the State Legislature so of course he will NEVER resign!
Wade did nothing while on the school board (while he was still a police officer) so what made all of you think he would be a good Mayor? I’m just surprised none of you saw this coming? You Obama fans must have thought you were electing your own version of Washington D.C.? How’s that working out for you? Not so good huh? LOL
Do yourself a favor and request the crime/arrest statistics from APD according to age, sex, and race. As a resident of Antioch I have seen them many times. Once you have reviewed the reports this will give you a real life clue why Mayor Harper DOES NOT speak out about the thugs terrorizing in the city.
The voters of Antioch were fooled into voting for someone who is unqualified to be the Chief Executive of the city.
How does it feel to be bamboozled and hoodwinked Antioch?
You know I also support the recall of our Mayor Wade Harper. This obviously is him ignoring the opinion of others yet again. He has admitted to doing nothing but having meetings behind closed doors. No transparentcy! No stepping up and giving any examples of what he is doing about these issues! Nothing short of a recall will help fix the problem. He wants his pay check! He doesn’t want to get involved! His interity is shot and he doesn’t care! That is what I get from this Mayor….NOTHING!
Integrity was the word you were looking for and you are right he has none.
Interesting comments about the mayor. I arrived late too that council meeting. I will make sure that I am on time at the next meeting!
As a member of East County NAACP let’s just see how fast Willie Mims turns what is factually Mayor Harper’s poor performance problem into a race issue. Stay tuned!!!!! LOL
For at least 20 years Willie Mims has been keeping track of Antioch politician’s behavior. Harpers performance is not a race issue and I doubt Willie will make it so. If he does, he and I will have another conversation over coffee. I have respect for Willie Mims. He is more involved than most residents and he lives in Pittsburg.
Yes Willie you were a little late BUT Mark Desaulnier WAS there and heard the whole thing. Always glad to see you there!
Mr. Mims, what is so interesting about the comments. I would love to hear what your thoughts about the comments that make you say the are interesting.
@WDAGW – All I can say about your comment is – “Huh????” It makes zero sense and I’m usually pretty good at reading “typo”.
I will be happy to sign recall papers when they are ready……thank you Rich and Ken for being the driving force. I have a feeling that paper won’t be hard to fill……there are PLENTY of dissatisfied citizens here.
Ah Steve;;;You have heard the phrase “Ignorance is a Bliss” this most likely applies to your comments. I have learned by trial and error that we should do a bit of research about important issues before we deiced to open our always ready mouth to make statements that later are confirmed to be wrong. You can be “Poster Mouth” for that phrase quoted above.
Listen, we all have made error judgments in our live , it is part of not being a perfect human being
but we should learn by such experiences that before we again open our mouth to comment on important issues Your brief remarks did not add any value to this discussion.
Now is your time tor you to put up in the defense of the Major’s performance in behalf of the citizenship of Antioch.
Citizens of Antioch, this is our chance to really make a difference in the community and to show our so-called “leaders” of this city to take their jobs seriuosly or get the heck out!
This is our chance to show the rest of the Bay Area that we will NOT be the laughing stock city and that we will not put up with crime!
Let’s increase our home values and quality of life!
Recall Harper and send the message that we are done with crime!
If I was not clear, I am sorry. I was trying to ask Mr. Mims what he thought was so interesting about the comments other people were making about the mayor. I hope that made it clear.
I figured out later that might be where you were going. Thanks for clarifying.
The best way to vote in this city is with your feet, if you all do not like it here, then walk away from Antioch and just leave…. When the revenue you paid into the coffers dry up, then the city council with take notice… only then will the issues be addressed properly because throwing good money at the core problem will not work if the leadership is lacking.
just wondering.
We will not cower and run with our tails between our legs. We are here to fight for our city!
Tina, your willing to fight? Really? What are you willing to do and what sacrifices are you willing to make to make Antioch a better place to live. It takes faith, boldness, and absolutely NO FEAR of confrontation to make change happen. Do you have the courage?
Just Wondering, this is what happened to cause the problem in the first place. It may have not been directly related to a choice of leaving, however folks left due to losing their homes and the economy. The results are the same, good people out, Section 8 moved in. I graduated from DVHS back in 2001 and Antioch was very different. We need someone elected who is true to their word!
And Steve! They are being part of the solution! Who said being part of the solution is always running for office? They are standing up to the people who made nothing but empty promises to the City of Antioch. That is a bigger part of the solution then the other 99% of Antioch who says and does nothing! We have become a city who hides in their homes and ventures out only to gather supplies. We are a city now run by thugs who would rob and kill you!
We know what the solution is! We need to stand up and fight for our city and our rights! WE NEED TO RECALL HARPER!
@Mike
Excellent post.
—YES ON RECALLING HARPER—-
To Willie Mims credit, he is visible and speaks well on subjects close to the community’s heart, because he does the homework.
I have known him to be at Pittsburg and Antioch School Board meetings and on several occasions he has come to Contra Costa County Board meetings(I am a trustee) to the point where one meeting he stayed until 12:30 a.m. to be heard during “public comment”! That is passion! I am a fan of such involvement by a citizen. There is no color issue here.
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