At the upcoming Antioch City Council Meeting set for February 23, the council will discuss removing Lamar Thorpe from his role on the Economic Development Commission as well as serving as Councilwoman Monica Wilson’s alternate on the City Council.
According to the agenda, Mayor Wade Harper stated he would like to have Thorpe removed from the Economic Development Commission due to Thorpes’ involvement with the Card Room Initiative, sponsored by the California Grand Casino in Pacheco (CA) and is in the electoral process in the City of Antioch.
Under the proposed ordinance, it would shrink the number of card rooms in Antioch from two to one—meaning the 19th Hole would be the only card room allowed in the City. Those who wish to play cards, would then be forced to go elsewhere. No new card rooms could be established.
The City website says the Economic Development Commission’s main function is to address economic development issues within the City and make recommendations to the City Council and staff regarding policies, regulations, marketing, development strategies and planning activities designed to enhance the City’s economic base and create quality jobs.
Thorpe worked to bring the initiative to Antioch after last year the council created a card room ordinance. Thorpe helped gather 9,300 signatures to place an initiative based on outside influence to force the council to accept the signatures or place the issue before the voters at a cost of up to $177,000.
The council, who all five claimed they were bullied into a position, voted to place the issue on the ballot costing the city funds.
Thorpe then issued a Letter to the Editor which stated one councilmember signed the petition even after the 5-0 vote to place it on the ballot—it turned out Monica Wilson was the councilmember who signed the initiative only to vote in favor of placing it before the voters.
Wilson has not yet replied to questions from ECT on why she would sign a petition, only to vote to place it before the voters at a cost of $177,000–instead, an email was exchanged through her campaign consultant running her Board of Supervisor campaign.
Councilwoman Monica Wilson has now provided notice, which is also on the agenda for Tuesday, that she is removing both Lamar Thorpe and Patrice Guillory as her alternate City Council Member backup
The alternate councilmembers fill in for elected councilmembers in the event of a declared emergency and a councilmember is unavailable or dead.
The letter to remove both Thorpe and Guillory was submitted on February 16, 2016.
If you go:
Antioch City Council Meeting
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
7:00 pm
Council Chambers at 200 H Street, Antioch
11 comments
This is political bullying at its best by Mayor Wade Harper and Councilwoman Monica Wilson. Shame on both of them. Another do as I say not as I do or I will remove you.
The question is why Thorpe facilitated the whole card room petition in the first place. If there was some sort of professional or financial incentive that took advantage of his position on the commission then that would be grounds for removal. At this point though it appears to be political retaliation by two county supervisor candidates trying to distance themselves from someone that has been stirring the pot in Antioch.
The interesting question is why was he appointed as Wilson’s alternate and on the economic development commission in the first place. It is known that Thorpe was very instrumental in Monica Wilson’s campaign to get elected to the city council. It is also known that he was controversial with some sorted things in his past. Did she appoint him as her alternate because he is (or was) a friend or because she thought he was the best person to step in and take on her responsibilities? Was he put on the economic development commission because of his expertise or because of his relationships? Is he being taken out because of his bad judgement or because he ticked people off?
If Thorpe acted in bad faith then I am glad they are removing him. If Thorpe was acting for his own personal gain (which ends up costing Antioch $170,000) then he should be removed and it should be made more public. If he was acting in good faith trying to limit the number of card rooms in the city then I would call out Harper and Wilson for using their power to punish someone which goes along with some of the other articles of late related to people misusing their power.
Wilson’s actions seem to be more personal and political but perhaps she will clarify this at the city council meeting.
Wilson couldn’t “bully” someone if she tried. She simply made some bad judgments. Harper is a bully and is constantly doing so to speakers at council. Both moves on the scheduled agenda are the right moves for the City.
Glad to see Lamar go. He brought this on himself for putting a casino before his sole on the City Council. Neither Harper or Wilson should be excused from this poor judgement call by socializing with him.
If you step back and look at this it is all about Harper and his campaign rather than Wilson, Lamar or the City. The bully at work.
Marty you have attended many city council meetings on a regular basis. I believe you know me better than that. We have met for coffee in the past. If you would like to meet again and discuss I will be nothing more than a gentleman (and not a bully). Since the recommendation for appointments are made by the mayor and approvals are voted on by the entire city council, our city attorney recommended that the entire council consider any removal from any commissions. That is why it has been placed on an agenda for the entire city council to consider. I have not mentioned my campaign for supervisor during any city council meetings. Ms. Wilson’s request to remove 2 of her standby city councilmembers was her decision. She did not consult with me. She did send me an email on February 16th at 9:17 p.m. stating that she notified the city manager and city clerk that she was removing the 2 standby city councilmembers. she stated she is “leaving Don Freitas as her remaining alternate.” I hope this information helps.
On these two issues I have no problem with the choices being made Mr. Harper.
Hey Wade,
How about a comment about the store that got robbed and the store clerk got shot twice?? What happened to your “zero tolerance” for crime?!?
Let me guess, it doesn’t suit your political agenda so it’s all crickets in your end, right?
You have all the time to blow your trumpet about Lamar, but no effort for the crime victims.
Yeah that’s what I thought.
The council will be blasted if they remove him or keep him. People need to remember that he serves at the will of the council and anyone defending Lamar at this point needs to go watch the city council meeting. This is a good move by both Harper & Wilson, it shows they have a spine.
I think it is interesting that there are references to Wilson always agreeing and following Harper on what he does. She hasn’t done anything that I can see for Antioch except go with what the council does and agreeing with the mayor. Harper decides to run for supervisor so Wilson decides to run for supervisor. Harper decides to get rid of Thorpe so Wilson is getting rid of Thorpe. Harper seems to have more leadership skills than Wilson- just saying!
Why are they removing him? I am glad we aren’t going to have more card rooms in Antioch. I don’t understand why the council had to put it on the ballot. I thank all of those that helped stop any more card rooms from coming to town.
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