Fullerton Mayor Fred Jung, who faced criticism from the Fullerton Observer — a local newspaper that accused him of improperly allowing the city seal on business cards for individuals in non-existent official city positions without authorization — has become embroiled in a second dispute following an article published by the Korea Daily on November 3 at www.koreadailyus.com.
In an editorial on November 6, the Observer addressed the mayor’s allegations of racial discrimination, labeling them as unfounded. Mayor Jung, in an interview with the Korea Daily, had characterized the controversy as racial discrimination stemming from differing political views.
The Observer contended that Mayor Jung only cited discrimination after the council had voted on an ordinance last July, which bans commissioners from using the city seal, and that he ordered a halt to its use on business cards after issues arose with Korean-American commissioners and advisors earlier this year.
“When the issue was raised this summer, we addressed it carefully and clarified that Korean-American commissioners and advisors did not personally benefit from the business cards,” Mayor Jung explained to the Korea Daily on November 7, responding to the Observer’s editorial. He added that the “old newspaper, the Observer, should be aware that many previous commissioners and volunteers have used the city seal on their business cards.”
Countering the Observer’s claim that he failed to account for the work performed by the Korean-American commissioners and advisors, Mayor Jung listed their contributions, including facilitating the opening of the K-Seongnam Business Center in partnership with Seongnam, South Korea, establishing a sister city relationship with the Gwanak District Office in Seoul, and playing key roles in the organization of the World Korean Business Convention.
“They introduced Fullerton to many businesspeople at the World Korean Business Convention in Anaheim last month. Why is the Observer not aware of this?” Mayor Jung queried.
The Observer conceded to some of Mayor Jung’s points, stating, “It is not assumed that the Mayor’s volunteers knowingly misused the city seal. It is not assumed that the Mayor’s volunteers used their connection to the Mayor and the city for their own benefit.”
Nevertheless, the Observer advised caution, pointing out that city government work is strictly for official city personnel. Involvement in negotiations with external organizations on the city’s behalf could lead to misunderstandings and potential abuse of power.
Mayor Jung responded, “This situation is indicative of the broader partisan divide in the United States. I don’t want to demoralize our dedicated volunteers over such trivial issues. My role is to steer clear of pointless debates and focus on managing city affairs, even amid unfounded political attacks.”
Amid the controversy, some readers have commented, questioning, “Isn’t the regulation too strict and in need of revision?”, “It’s impossible to police all business cards bearing the city seal”, and “The use of the city seal on business cards has precedent.”
BY BRIAN CHOI [ichoi@koreadaily.com]
