Clarifying her position

Dear Editor:

Mr. McHenry wrote an interesting article relative to the Police actions at the Health Care Forum held on August 27th, however there are a few points relative to his reference of me that need clarification.

First, when I spoke during the Public Hearing segment at the City Council meeting last Tuesday, I did not introduce, nor identify, myself as anything other than Carolyn Gonzales, Claremont resident.  I did that intentionally as I was not speaking on behalf of the Mt. View Republican Club. I was a private citizen speaking as a private citizen.

Second, I do not know, nor did I know the gentleman who shouted out at the Health Care Forum. I am neither sympathizing nor distancing. I merely stated that in reference to the incident under discussion, Mr. Cox was poked repeatedly in the chest in an attempt to quiet him and remove him from the meeting. He did nothing physically in response to the poking.

Third, I do believe the hosting organization was derelict in their responsibility by declining to provide security personnel at the event. Citing “cost” does not mitigate responsibility. The cost estimation would have been between $100 and $250. I do not believe that the Police Department should have been looked at as the responsible party for proactive security, in lieu of hiring private security. Having private security would have been the responsible action, and most likely would have prevented the situation now under discussion.

Since the topic centered on "responsibility", those were the three personal opinions and comments I made during the City Council meeting.

Lastly, in response to Mr. McHenry, I do not believe the issue under discussion is “political party” specific, which is why I did not refer to the hosting organization as anything other than the “hosting organization.” Whether or not the Claremont Police acted responsibly is to be evaluated, by the City Attorney, the Police Department and the City Council. I am disappointed that Mr. McHenry has chosen to focus on partisan politics. There is nothing in this issue that has any implication that should pit one political party against the other. I do not believe the Police Department is partisan, nor acted in a partisan manner. Their actions were non political. 

There are many other issues that will be debated based on political affiliations, this one, in my opinion, is not one of them. 

Carolyn Gonzales
President, Mt. View Republican Club