Korean American commissioners and advisors in Fullerton have faced criticism for using the city’s seal on their business cards. The Korean American mayor and his party claimed it was merely a continuation of tradition and dismissed it as a political attack.
The Fullerton City Manager and City Attorney have issued a directive to Korean American council members and commissioners, instructing them not to display the city logo on their business cards. The City of Fullerton’s policy restricts the use of its logo to individuals employed and remunerated by City Hall and City Council. Last year, commissioners sought permission to use the logo but were rebuffed by the City Council.
The impetus for Fullerton’s admonition was an October 26 article in the Fullerton Observer. The publication showcased business cards belonging to Korean Americans, alleging illegal use of the city seal on its front page.
Per Ordinance 2543, unauthorized use of the city’s seal for non-official purposes is illegal. The City Clerk is designated as the custodian of the seal. (Ord. 2543 (part), 1985). Before the Observer’s exposé, officials stated they had addressed the misuse by contacting the individuals involved, requesting they cease using the city logo.
City Clerk Lucinda Williams remarked, “The city logo symbolizes the city, and its use is both misleading and unlawful. While other cities might not enforce this, the usual consequence here is a warning, without penalties.”
Fullerton Mayor Fred Jung criticized the Observer’s article as a targeted political and discriminatory attack against Korean Americans.
“We’ve followed the necessary corrective measures as per the ordinance,” Mayor Jung stated. “Publicly naming Korean American commissioners, especially those appointed by my office, is unjust. It raises suspicions of a political motive, considering past commissioners have used the logo without issue.”
BY BRIAN CHOI, JUNHAN PARK [ichoi@koreadaily.com]
