Amid the many campaign attacks and endorsements that have filled my mailbox, one stands out by its absence. The Laguna Beach Police Employees Union does not endorse incumbent Sue Kempf for City Council.
Kempf is their boss. She votes on contracts and other issues that closely affect members. Typically, incumbents have an advantage in an election, and City unions are keenly sensitive to the implications of withholding endorsements from those likely to be reelected.
Peter Blake’s behavior has disqualified him from any public office, so, unsurprisingly, the Police Employees Union passed him by again. But the Union endorsed Sue Kempf in 2018. Withholding their support from Kempf in 2022 speaks volumes, consistent with the reports of low morale among Laguna’s police, and the difficulty in retaining and attracting officers. This seems to provide tangible evidence of how badly they want a change.
Scott Fraser, Laguna Beach
Scott, I wasn’t endorsed by the police union because I’m anti-union and didnt pander to Brian Griep (head of the PEA) He sent us a questionnaire that was meant to determine if our loyalty was to our City Manager and Chief of Police or to the union. I didnt have to think that hard about that one. I declined to answer the questions and cancelled my meeting with him. I remain committed to Chief Calvert and the rank and file!
Look at who they endorsed:
Jerome Pudwill, union supporter with radical-left views. Loves Bernie Sanders and is supporting an LA based union’s Ballot Initiative that gives the public a vote on what private business (hotels) have to pay their staff. No, we’re not in Venezuela!
Mark Orgill, is conflicted. This developer and board member of Visit Laguna is backed and endorsed by Village Laguna, an anti development, anti tourist, and anti growth Political Action Committee. Is it because he’s weak and can be maneuvered? Of course!
BTW, Laguna doesnt have the exclusive on Police shortages. Years of criminal justice advocacy and defund the police activists have taken their toll on what used to be an honorable profession.It will be again!
On November 8th you’ll find out just how qualified the residents of Laguna believe I am for public office.