By Robert Haugh
Indicted Santa Clara Councilmember Anthony Becker’s trial starts next month and he’s fighting to stay out of jail.
But Becker is busy fighting other battles, too. He’s engaged in one on Facebook with a major critic of his.
Santa Clara business leader Kirk Vartan recently posted a story about how the 49er Five are in the running for the “rudest City Council ever.” He specifically mentioned Becker and Councilmember Kevin Park.
Becker attacked Vartan for it. So Vartan showed up to last night’s City Council meeting to share the exchange.
Here’s Vartan’s Facebook post:
Kevin Park is a disgrace to the seat and should resign, much less run for re-election. And Anthony Becker, Santa Clara Councilmember- District 6 continues his drawn out criminal trail [sic] for giving the 49ers confidential documents and information. He is also a disgrace. He should resign, and yet he is also running for re-election to the City of Santa Clara City Council. What a joke! The San Francisco 49ers know how to spend their money to make sure local government works for them. Funny how they are so quiet about these two jokers.
Here’s Becker’s response where he personally attacks Vartan.
Becker has a history of abusive behavior that has been documented by Santa Clara News Online.
Becker and his 49er Five colleagues have been called out by the Civil Grand Jury in a report about their “abusive and belittling behavior.”
Now, he’s being called out by Vartan, too.
Park called into last night’s meeting via Zoom from Korea.
But he dropped off at 8:35 p.m. according to City staff and said Park would return shortly. But he never did and missed votes regarding Silicon Valley Power staffing and a major energy contract.
Kirk Vartan is a rock star. Likewise, I don’t always agree with his viewpoints, but he always puts forth a thoughtful and intelligent response to issues.
Does anyone know what Park does for work?
The Fair Political Practices Commission requires Kevin and others to file a “form 700” to disclose that.
https://public.netfile.com/pub/?aid=csc
Enter “Park” as the filer name then click on “search.” Scroll down and click on “view.” This will reveal how Kevin answered that question on his most recent form 700.
I do not think it is accurate to describe Becker’s response as a personal attack but I also think that Vartan linking to Becker’s public social media account is not harassment or stalking regardless of whether or not Vartan is a special advisor to the mayor or an elected official or an appointed committeeperson or any random Joe off the street.
A quick follow up. I should have done better research. A public official can’t block people on social media.
But harassment? Seriously? It’s called holding you accountable. Did he say something that wasn’t accurate?
Does Becker know he can block Kirk Vartan on social media platforms? I bet he does, but he’d rather not so he can play the victim card.
The 49er 5 always go on the attack when they are criticized or challenged. They are so thin skinned it’s ridiculous. Park pontificates with his self perceived superiority from the dais with verbal diarrhea and Jain attacks people thru this blog regularly.
They continue to display behavior that merits voting them out in November.
We deserve quality leadership and representation from our elected officials. Our city deserves better as well.
We all need to have the common sense to make the necessary changes.
Politician can’t block their critics on social media platforms.
The petty and childish behavior that Park snd Becker have shown towards Kirk Vartan id disgusting. Many years ago, Kirk and I had a decent dialogue. I ruined it. I, myself, engaged in silly behavior rowards Vartsn. DUMB. Kirk at his very soul is a sincere activist. I do not agree with many of his views, but he has helped the community. The best way to handle Kirk at a medying is to listen, accept his view as a contribution to public discourse, and move on
What Becker has done, along with Park, have poked him in the eye. So Vartan fights back for respect. A natural redponse. The guy is very talented and will not just walk away. Vartan will always pursue a campaign forcefully. Ethics is a an effective issue to pursue. Note to Becker and Park, give up now.
Dear Community,
Our Elected Officials are IN THE PUBLIC EYE.
Respectable Elected Officials know this.
AT NO TIME ARE THEY FREE OF CRITICAL COMMUNITY.
THEY WERE MADE AWARE OF THIS FACT, AS I WAS WHEN I LOST MY ELECTION SHOT.
To cry, and moan, and complain about someone treating you mean – that is what Elementary School Children and Daycare Children do.
If it’s hot in the kitchen – well… you know the rest.
I’m always open for discussion
In Community Spirit,
Danny Garza
Ironworkrdanny@gmail.com
this applies to elected HOA Presidents too
Which Becker Facebook carries Vartan attack?
Facebook can be notified