Fullerton Mayor Fred Jung has described the recent controversy regarding the use of the city’s seal on business cards as “racial discrimination,” attributing the backlash to differing political viewpoints.
Korean American commissioners and advisors in Fullerton have come under fire for featuring the city’s seal on their business cards. The Fullerton City Manager and City Attorney have directed these officials to cease displaying the city’s emblem on their business cards.
The Korean American mayor and his affiliates insist that using the seal was merely upholding tradition and have denounced the criticism as a political assault.
The issue came to the forefront following an October 26 article in the Fullerton Observer, which displayed business cards of Korean Americans on its front page, claiming their decoration with the city’s seal was illegal.
Mayor Jung asserted that the delayed reproof of the Korean American officials’ business cards stemmed overtly from pre-election political attacks. In addressing the contention surrounding the seal on the business cards, Jung stated, “The City Council resolved that commissioners should refrain from using the city’s seal on their cards. Yet, I must emphasize that the volunteers who assisted me were engaged in city-related work for Fullerton’s benefit.”
“I acknowledge that the city’s seal should be used with discretion. However, the Korean-American commissioners and advisors were devoted to serving the municipal government and did not misuse it. Thanks to their efforts, Fullerton and the Korean American community have been able to prosper,” he added.
Regarding potential misuse or misconduct through the business cards, he confidently remarked, “There has been none, nor is there any possibility of it occurring.”
Jung expressed his bewilderment over the selective scrutiny, “Similar business cards have been utilized for decades without incident. I am perplexed as to why three Korean Americans were singled out during my tenure, and why the issue was reported months after being settled.”
He revealed that the city manager did not consult him about the matter, deeming it insignificant.
When probed about resolving the issue, he commented, “I perceive it as stemming from a mix of racism by certain factions, a misunderstanding of Korean American customs, and a general disinterest. Nonetheless, I am committed to leading Fullerton through these adversities and attacks. I suspect the continuous political onslaught is because, as a Democrat, I hold the swing vote among the five city council members, and I am determined to meet my constituents’ expectations and stay true to my principles.”
Jung, who will continue his mayoral term until December of the following year, expressed uncertainty about his future political endeavors. There is speculation in Fullerton circles that he may consider a candidacy for the state House of Representatives or as a county supervisor.
BY BRIAN CHOI [ichoi@koreadaily.com]
