First published in the May 26 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
Reading the Letters to the Editor last week, in conjunction with the toxic vitriol on an infamous Facebook community page, has left me disgusted and saddened. After watching this type of attack happen to a candidate during the school board election, and now happen to a city council candidate, by the same group of people, I am left truly disgusted.
I am very sad to see what is going on in our community. We used to love that our neighbors were kind and watched out for each other. But when election times roll around, knives come out. For those who know me, you know that I care about our schools and that I work hard to try and make a difference.
I have sat on many committees, meetings and events with Jack Schaedel. I know Jack. The mudslinging and mischaracterizations are untrue, and I find it sad that he and his family are subjected to such cruel behavior from people [who] do not even know him. Go speak to him yourself, and find out who he is. You will find that he is kind, thoughtful, open-minded and respectful.
Listen to those of us who actually know him (and read his endorsements). Don’t listen to the cruel community members who are using disgusting tactics to tear Jack down as a way to get their candidate elected. And definitely don’t base your vote off a local Facebook page that prunes posts to bully a candidate who wants to serve our town.
La Cañada, you are better than this. Shame on those who continue to divide our town. Enough is enough.
Jack Schaedel is a great man, and he has my support.
Jamie Abrahamian
La Cañada Flintridge
We are a land of contrasts, often mired by divergent circumstance and opinion. The philosophy of “E Pluribus Unum” (out of many, one) has atrophied from present day America, resulting in untold polarization. A meeting of the minds is an unlikely possibility; subsequently endangering American social, economic and cultural potential. It becomes essential that we elect leaders capable of bridging the ever-widening gap that separates us. The continuation of the American Spirit is compromise.
Therefore, I enthusiastically support Jack Schaedel for the City Council. Jack is our best option to mediate varied perspectives relative to La Cañada politics, regardless of political persuasion. I know him to be a “critical thinker” not subjugated by either emotion or political ideology. I appreciate his ability to dissect an issue and adjudicate a solution that is best for a community and does not align with doctrine.
I respect intelligence. Jack has a far-reaching intellect yet possesses a wisdom that will enable him to use it well. Jack is affable and will bring a persona that is respectful, attentive, and receptive to all and all points of view. I’m also voting for Jack because he is a man of character. Such a man I would trust.
I enthusiastically urge you to join me and vote for Jack Schaedel for the City Council of La Cañada.
Joe Puglia
La Cañada Flintridge
My perspective comes as a father of three, longtime La Cañada Flintridge resident, fighter pilot, and proud Air Force veteran.
Jack Schaedel is a perfect representative of our traditional American Main Street town. As a combat veteran fighter pilot, it’s logical to support Jack over a transient, aspiring, career politician — especially one who throws their uniform around in everyone’s face. It’s plain for us all to see if we just have the gumption to scratch below the surface.
Beyond that, Jack has earned our family’s support because he’s been intimately involved with building up this town from Hahamongna to Verdugo — embodying the values and sensibilities that guys like me and millions of others have supported and defended throughout our nation’s storied and rich history. Soccer dads, PTA moms, kind-hearted, philanthropic and community parents are precisely the civic Americans that we love, appreciate and if necessary will make the ultimate sacrifice to preserve and defend.
Just as I’ve told the many Eagle Scouts I’ve mentored in town, a promise in uniform doesn’t make the man — actions do. And Jack’s actions have earned this combat veteran’s vote.
Finally, Kim Bowman, thanks for your service. But next time, leave your uniform out of your personal political campaigns — as the spirit of the law demands for military personnel. As would be expected of officers that understand how to exercise good judgment, “above board” optics and are invested in the greater good of sacred institutions. It may get less ire from the thousands of vets and active duty that have gone before you.
My family and I support Schaedel for La Cañada City Council.
John Hicks
La Cañada Flintridge
I have been saddened to see our community torn apart this election season. I believe strongly that individuals with opposing views should be able to engage in respectful discourse with one another, rather than lobbing daggers via the internet. I also believe that we should recognize and appreciate that the residents of this community have different viewpoints, which is a great strength.
I wish to share that I will be voting for Jack Schaedel. I first met Jack almost 19 years ago when we worked together at the same law firm. I found Jack to be honest, thoughtful, respectful, intelligent and well-reasoned.
Years later, via our residence here in La Cañada, we met again, and I found him to be the same man. Except that now, not only did he have those same traits, he paired them with an extraordinary level of commitment to this town. His service to La Cañada cannot be overstated — he’s spent many years getting to know this neighborhood and its residents, and volunteering to make it a place that we can be proud to call home. He’s volunteered in support of the schools (LCFEF and various committees), businesses (Chamber of Commerce), and many other community organizations and teams (the Y, LC Presbyterian Church, AYSO and LCBSA, etc.). His dedication to LCF is clear, and, as set forth in his platform, he has great ideas to maintain this city’s stellar reputation and to continue improving upon it. Importantly, he’s also willing to engage — please contact him directly (not on Facebook) and ask him questions. Talk to him about substantive issues that he’ll be dealing with as a city council member. I am certain he’ll demonstrate those same traits I listed above.
LCF is a small town — our kids go to school together, and we’re bound to run into each other at the market, park, etc. We don’t have to agree on every issue, but let’s try to be respectful when discussing the election. I challenge all of the candidates [to] encourage their supporters to engage positively rather than simply punishing their opponents and further dividing LCF.
Debbie Barsom
La Cañada Flintridge
