Recently I met with Richa Awasthi to discuss my endorsement of her candidacy for the Foster City Council. I impressed upon her the necessity for her to state publicly she was an independent person and would not allow herself to be controlled by certain members of the current council. I thought it was important that she publicly distance herself from the disruptive and abusive tactics employed by a certain councilmember and reiterate that, just because she had been endorsed by that councilmember, she did not condone his behavior and would be completely independent from him in her actions on council.
Actually when applying for her candidacy, Richa signed a code of conduct pledge which stated, in part, “I shall immediately and publicly repudiate support deriving from any individual that resorts, on behalf of my candidacy to the methods and tactics that I condemn.” Richa has, on a number of occasions, failed to adhere to that pledge.
Politics in Foster City at this time, has become an ugly business. I am now convinced that Richa has been misled with promises of endorsements, campaign money and a seat on the dais. I believe that she is naive to think she can stand up and maintain an independent position from the councilmember that has made those promises. Her actions and comments in recent public forums confirm my feelings about lack of independence.
I apologize to Richa for having made my endorsement prematurely, before I was able to observe her positions and comments before the public. I have advised Richa I am withdrawing my endorsement and have asked her not to use my name in any further manner in her campaign.
Pam Frisella
Foster City
The letter writer is the former mayor of Foster City.
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(1) comment
This was painful to read. I wish there were more details on what exactly happened.
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.