I was discouraged by the decision by Arnold’s mayor and council in filling the empty seat left open by the election of Joe Bia as mayor (“Arnold fills vacant city council seat, creates redevelopment vacancy,” Jan. 14, TribLIVE).
The two candidates both had extensive resumes. However, one has been a resident for 2½ years, while the other has lived in Arnold for more than 50 years.
As a community activist, I encourage people who feel marginalized to step up to take leadership roles in our communities. When a black female candidate with 50 years of residency, raising a family and paying her taxes, is overlooked for a white male whose residency is 2½ years leads me to believe our communities want marginalized people to step up, but not high enough to make a difference.
Aaron Moore
Arnold