Petrilla Should Find Availability or Find an Excuse to Get Out of Council Selection
Councilman Jesse Petrilla's actions on Sunday illuminated his shortcomings as a leader. He needs to find time to meet with the council to select a Thompson replacement or sit this one out.
City Council member Jesse Petrilla (left) tried to work outside the lines during his teleconference call on Sunday.
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For the four months that he has been a Rancho Santa Margarita city councilman, Jesse Petrilla has been the model of inefficient government.
Since taking the oath in December and that night challenging the integrity of fellow Councilman Jerry Holloway—a retired police lieutenant—to his recent standoff with Mayor Tony Beall, Petrilla has been nothing but a high maintenance distraction.
He has purchased no goodwill with his colleagues, who have bent over backward for his benefit. Beall even went so far as to say he would nominate him to be the next mayor pro tem as an act of good faith.
All these efforts of accommodation led Petrilla to Sunday’s specially called meeting to choose the replacement for his rival, Gary Thompson.
Petrilla’s performance was an absolute fail.
He left colleagues and residents who witnessed the four-hour 40-minute meeting exasperated. At the end of the night, the council had taken only a small step toward naming Thompson’s replacement. Not all of it was Petrilla’s fault, but Petrilla was responsible for the major portion of the nonsense.
It was Petrilla being Petrilla, playing by his own rules—again.
Remember when 2nd Lt. Petrilla (of the California National Guard) had a snit over being called a “reservist” instead of “military officer” on the election ballot?
Or when he placed campaign signs before legally allowed? Or when he placed those signs in locations outside the guidelines of SAMLARC? Remember that he was so stubborn about it that SAMLARC actually launched legal action?
This was more of the same.
Moments after he and his colleagues agreed to submit three names ranked in order of preference to be the next city councilman, Petrilla provided only one.
Then he argued about it. He drew a line in the sand where one didn’t need to be drawn. He is, at this stage, still too immature—or self-centered—to know when to pick his spots, where to fight his battles.
READ ABOUT THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HERE
READ ABOUT THE FIRST SET OF INTERVIEWS HERE
READ ABOUT THE SECOND SET OF INTERVIEWS HERE
READ THE DIAGOGUE BETWEEN PETRILLA AND HOLLOWAY HERE
It frustrated the council members, and even worse, it frustrated those in the audience. For once, among onlookers, his Army uniform wasn’t the trump card it had been previously.
Instead of being the brave hero serving our country, people finally saw past the red, white and blue rhetoric and asked themselves, “Who does this guy think he is?”
It’s a really good question, because Petrilla tries to play by a different set of rules.
That was the case Sunday when he made the most telling mistake of his four-month, six-meeting career. Understand up front that most candidates were asked about their decision-making process if selected to the council.
When Petrilla announced, “I don’t want to throw a name out there that’s not on anyone’s list,” he declared that he had no business being a councilman.
Make a decision, make the best case for your decision, and then vote with common sense.
If Petrilla believes Kenney Hrabik is the best choice for City Council, stand by it; don’t tell the residents that Hrabik’s not the best choice if he’s not on anyone else’s list of three.
That’s not leadership, that’s political game-playing.
The 12 candidates being considered for Thompson’s seat are being held to a higher standard than Petrilla ever was by the community that elected him.
So far, he has been treated with kid gloves. Maybe it’s time to treat him with boxing gloves. What has been the return on investment for supporters who donated more than $40,000 to his campaign, other than a drama queen to keep them entertained on news sites?
A special meeting was called that excluded the mayor so that Petrilla could interview candidates personally. He was allowed to ask each of them two questions, and he burned one of them on, “How do you define government?”
This is not eighth-grade civics. The job entails dealing with an $18-million budget, the impending development of Chiquita Ridge and deciding on controversial subjects such as the noise issue involving Dove Canyon Courtyard—which is owned by Hrabik.
While Petrilla was trying to keep from being replaced temporarily during the four months he was in military training, he wrote in a press release dated March 1: “I have full faith in the capabilities of my experienced colleagues to effectively run a four member council …”
Now, with rival Thompson resigned two days after the press release, Petrilla can prove that faith by letting them choose the next city councilman. That is, unless Petrilla doesn’t have faith in his colleagues and was pulling our leg all along. It’s one or the other.
He says he is unavailable to attend any more meetings before the May 2 deadline, after which the matter will be settled by a special election in November at a cost of more than $100,000 to the city.
Will he take one for the team, or will he draw another line in the sand?
If Petrilla wants to be a part of the selection process, it’s incumbent upon him to find the availability of time. He made that promise to the men and women of Rancho Santa Margarita when he begged the council to not replace him even temporarily. He said it wouldn't be a problem.
The irony is that in retrospect, Petrilla would have been better off if the council had replaced him.
He could have returned home in June the military hero and reclaimed his spot on the council dais. Now he’s facing a credibility crisis and a lot of questions. In the spotlight of the selection process, he exposed himself as argumentative, manipulative and selfish to an audience of pretty sharp people looking to join him as a city leader.
So it comes back to his comment that he didn’t want the city to have to fork out more than $100,000 for a special election.
Now he can prove it.
Find the time to meet with the council, or find a reason to excuse himself from the process.
He has a chance to start acting like a leader. Great leaders know when to cut their losses.
Does Jesse Petrilla have a credibility problem? How effective of a leader has he been? What do you expect of him?
Tell us in the comments.
RSM Dad
1:33 pm on Thursday, April 21, 2011
Mr. Henderson, I think you have captured it pretty well. This is a case of "buyer beware". Petrilla sold the voters a bill of goods to get him elected, and now he is proving that he is not up to the task. What it also points out is how disengaged the residents are in what does go on in the governments that make decisions affecting them. At all levels of government. And that is how we have trillions of debt at the Federal level, a bankrupt State with no way to dig itself out of that hole, and an immature child now sitting in city government. But I do believe that he has awakened a number of people in the city to begin to pay more attention. I have had several neighbors and friends tell me that they voted for him and had they known he was actually like this, they wouldn't have. So they are now watching. What I still can't figure out is why has Baric latched on to this guy and riding his coat tails? Doesn't he realize Petrilla's antics are a reflection on him as well?
Mike Proctor
4:23 pm on Thursday, April 21, 2011
I have followed this BS from day one. I have also spoken to city officials about this, and currently, I am beginning to regret my support for Mr. Petrilla. Hopefully, this will all turn around, and Jesse will become a great city leader (there is plenty of time), and put the political games aside.
I also am a little bothered by the sudden resignation of Gary Thompson. His reasons were listed as "personal", "to care fore for his ailing parents". This is very noble, and I applaud this....but if his parents were ailing, why did he wait until just after the election to step down? Did he not see his parent issues coming?
Since he did not publicly elaborate on it any further then that, I can only speculate. But he had to realize what a mess his resignation was going to create. He simply should not have run for reelection, as he took votes from other candidates, who would have served the city well (his fellow councilman and friend Steve Baric lost by less) then 20 votes).
No offense to Mr. Thompson, but if we have to have a special election, I say Gary Thomson is partially at fault.
I am also disappointed to see that Mr. McGirr didn't make the cut. He would have been a good fit for the city.
JMO..and you know what they say about opinions.
Marilyn P.
4:52 pm on Thursday, April 21, 2011
Mike, I think we were all disappointed that Brad McGirr wasn't on other lists. Given this new wave of "us against them," I think he's the only candidate that could bring both sides together and restore our faith in the city council. He seems to genuinely care about the city, he's already proven that by all the contributions he's made to our city. And he's got great credentials to boot. But apparently these qualifications - which are a priority among residents - don't appear to be a priority for some of our current city council members.
Mike Proctor
5:25 pm on Thursday, April 21, 2011
I meant Neil Blais, (who lost by 20 votes), No Steve Baric.
Martin Henderson
5:32 pm on Thursday, April 21, 2011
Mike, I have spoken to Gary Thompson; the onset of illness of his parents—his father in particular—happened quite suddenly, beginning in late December or early January. He fully intended to serve the residents, but found that the time devoted to family was preventing him from committing "110 percent" to the job of councilman. It was a classic case of seeing the writing on the wall. An obvious question for discussion: Do you think the other councilmen are giving a full 100 percent?
Marilyn P.
4:23 pm on Thursday, April 21, 2011
Martin, Thank you for writing EXACTLY what the rest of the residents of RSM have been thinking. Petrilla has proven time and time again that he thinks rules don't apply to him. A person (he's certainly NOT a man) of such low character and integrity is an absolute disgrace to our city.
John Stanton
5:50 pm on Thursday, April 21, 2011
Like most of the residents in RSM, I am deeply disturbed by the things that have happened within our city council in the past several months. It's hard to know what it will take to bring this council together again, or if that's even possible. Jesse Petrilla has been an obvious disappointment to those of us who voted for him, and it looks like Steve Baric has been going along with him as well. I truly hope it's not too late for these two councilmen to attempt to repair their tarnished reputations, thereby restoring city's trust in this council. We elected these councilmen to represent us, the city, and to make decisions that the residents would want. Our city council must do what it takes to appoint a new councilman who will put the city's interests first and not put politics above all else. We don't want to waste $120K on a special election when they've been elected to do their job.
I echo the sentiments above about Brad McGirr. I truly believe he could have been the link to bring the council together. He definitely would have been a great fit for this city. And he would have been just what this council needs to get back on the right track.
April Josephson
6:42 pm on Thursday, April 21, 2011
I agree with Mike, Marilyn and John. How could it be that Brad McGirr only made one list out of four councilmen, when he is clearly at the top of many residents' lists? Let's hope that when the councilmen meet to conduct the second set of interviews they reconsider their previous choices.
Chris McLaughlin
6:00 pm on Thursday, April 21, 2011
Thanks Martin, you took the words right out of my mind. I'm glad the teleconferencing issue got solved, and now we know that Jesse only wants Kenny Hrabik as the Interim Councilmember, so the other three should hold a meeting, raise a motion to appoint Kenny, vote it down, then carry on with final interviews, deliberations, and appointment of a suitable replacement. The Council has been more than accommodating with Jesse's schedule, and we don't need a six-figure penalty for missing the deadline.
Lee
7:01 pm on Thursday, April 21, 2011
A very disappointing council meeting Sunday, as I agree with the other comments made I find it very interesting that nobody mentioned the behavior of our Mayor Tony Beall. Mr Beall clearly didn't want to appoint a new council member that evening stalling for almost one hour after declaring a ten minute break making it clear he wants to force Jesse out of the vote. Also found it very interesting that a weighted point system was suggested by Jerry Holloway for a first, second and third choice which would give 5 points for first choice 2 points for second and one point for third. Clearly Jerry Holloway and Tony Beall were in favor for Carol Gamble for the seat which would of given her 10 points and no chance for discussions for the other candidates if it were a binding decision. Unfortunately Sunday night was a waste of time and extremely disappointing. As I believe that any of the candidates would do a wonderful job our city council needs to come together discuss the candidates then make a decision.
RSM Family
10:38 pm on Thursday, April 21, 2011
Thank you for this insightful story. What a shame. Our city has been torn apart. People have even been talking of moving from RSM because of the terrible new people and their political games. They are destroying our formerly wonderful town. We don't trust any of their choices. They wouldn't choose them unless there is a payback for them. Bring back any of the old council members.
Kid Chicago
6:51 am on Thursday, April 28, 2011
You've got to be kidding me! All of a sudden because we have two new councilmen, people are packing up to move out of RSM? What tremendous backbones those people must have? What a tremendous imagination YOU have.
Are you sure it's not because store after store is closing with no replacements, we have a crummy theatre and barely 3 decent restaurants in this whole City?!
GET REAL RSM FAMILY!!!!
RSM5kids
8:41 am on Friday, April 22, 2011
It is beyond me how this young guy ever got elected. I suppose it payed off by going door to door, but now that we have seen and heard him operate, it's clear that Petrilla is a petulant little boy with a SERIOUS inferiority complex. I was at the meeting last week, relatively sure that the council was going to do the right thing. I heard Mr. Baric mention the word "consensus" at least 3 times, and thought that it was obvious that an appointment would come relatively quickly. After that, everything went to hell in a handbasket. Beall looked frustrated, Holloway looked confused, Baric looked like the consumate manipulator, and Petrilla was an absolute fool. It was as if someone dropped a junior high school president down in the middle of a city council meeting and told him to try to act like a big boy. One wonders if Petrilla would have cared to see the audience. A packed council chambers, with jaws on the floor whenever this guy opened his mouth. I heard 3 people APOLOGIZE to others for ever supporting him! I was amazed. I was embarrassed for this city.
Lawrence (Larry) McCook
10:22 am on Friday, April 22, 2011
Regardless of the council's vote, I must have been the choice for a city council seat from a few people last November 2nd? (Tongue in Cheek)
My considerable successful management, budgetary, business development and ethical history would be a big plus for RSM. Not only would my "Reagan Style" (I worked ardently in his campaign) conservative approach, my senior presence should add a stabilizing effect on what is now been a dysfunctional city council for several months.
I promise to and will represent "All Of The People" in RSM. It might be good to add that I have served civic causes for all of my life.
larry4rsm@yahoo.com
Donnamarie CarenzaKline
10:31 am on Friday, April 22, 2011
Steve Baric is a very upstanding ,genuine, politically correct, intelligent man! He is NOT siding with anyone, including Jesse Petrilla. To try to lump him in to that catagory is simply wrong. He is the 1 Council member that continues to vote by what he believes is right & for the people, not favors or personal agendas. I for one am proud that I voted for him, that he represents the people of RSM & would vote for him again. I too WAS a Jesse supporter, however I have to say I am one of those people that sat in the audience and was disappointed with his attitude and lack of professionalism. I have been a Tony Beall supporter as well as a Neil Blais supporter for years and think they are upstanding gentlemen. However I was discouraged in the many attempts to push Carol Gamble into the vacant seat after clearly being voted down by the other two. My concern as an RSM resident with Jesse not partacing in the upcoming decision, is that our Mayor and Councilman Hollaway will once again try to "push" Carol Gamble into the seat, that clearly the other council members have opposed, but without Jesse to vote NO, Mr. Baric will lose by a 2-1 vote. I concur that Brad McGirr would be the best option (with the exception that he is not a women and a women's perspective could be very beneficial to this current council). Nonetheless, we live, work and play in one of the best places in Southern California, and anyone of the candidates really wouldn't be a bad choice for all of us!
Lawrence (Larry) McCook
11:23 am on Friday, April 22, 2011
Interesting thoughts Donnamarie.
RSM Dad
11:27 am on Friday, April 22, 2011
Let's see. Steve Baric and Jesse Petrilla's top 3 are the same people only in a different order. So who are these people- Peter Whittingam is a political lobbyist who makes his living lobbying public agencies for one of the largest lobbying companies in the county. Kenney Hrabic who hates the city staff, has publicly stated that some of them should be fired, and has created community divisions among residents over the last two years, even though he operated a business that violated numerous building codes. Mike Safranski who has twice in the past with two different organizations tried very hard to include Coto in RSM when RSM was trying to become a city. On the last, it was Carol Gamble and others who led the effort to prevent that. Jesse is a kid, and Baric is a political manipulator. And neither one of them really care about our community. Only their political careers. Enough said.
April Josephson
12:20 pm on Friday, April 22, 2011
Donnamarie, this is another one of those situations where we disagree amicably, as we did on Jesse in the past. I have had ample individual, personal interactions that gave me cause for the concerns that I expressed at council that day.
Also, on your statement: "He is the 1 Council member that continues to vote by what he believes is right & for the people," I think that there are other council members (not counting Jesse) that believe that what they are doing is right and for the people, too.
I am a strong Carol Gamble supporter (although I like Brad too) for a number of reasons, and believe that Carol is a choice of the people. I don't understand the couple of people that have said we need someone new. New may be good, or new may be another Jesse. We have someone who has a proven track record of doing what is right for the community and can get to work without the learning curve. She is independent and works well with others. Carol is the logical choice.
Donnamarie CarenzaKline
12:50 pm on Friday, April 22, 2011
Reasonable minds can agree to disagree.
Lawrence (Larry) McCook
9:47 am on Saturday, April 23, 2011
Please don't perceive this in any way as anti Carol Gamble!
Learning Curve, Learning Curve, Learning Curve................
I have been hearing about government experience and learning curve for weeks from the city council and some voters. There are at least 9 or 10 of the final 12 applicants who could jump in and establish a new budget. All that is needed is sound conservative financial management.
This ploy to keep the "Good Ol' Boys Network" is getting old.
April Josephson
10:00 am on Saturday, April 23, 2011
Larry, you really aren't making sense. There never was a good ol' boys network. Each person is independent and their past behavior shows it. Have you been to the budget study sessions in the past? I don't recall seeing you there. How do you know that it will be that easy?
Further, the learning curve doesn't relate just to the budget. There are many aspects to this job. That is why when you mention your business experience, I suggest the Economic Development Committee rather than the council.
By your post, you are revealing that you do not fully understand what the council members must do, and you are proving that there will be a long learning curve if you are chosen. Note the lackluster performance of Petrilla and Baric so far, and we haven't even gotten to the budget yet.
Lawrence (Larry) McCook
10:19 am on Saturday, April 23, 2011
April,
I stand by my comments.
Neither Baric or Petrilla have prior business management experience to my knowledge. Carol Gamble does have city council and small business management experience.
Larry
larry4rsm@yahoo.com
WATCHDOG1
12:40 pm on Saturday, April 23, 2011
GOOD ARTICLE!
I feel that the only qualified applicants not in The Sphere Of City Influence are Mr. Raney and Mr. McCook!
Lawrence (Larry) McCook
2:02 pm on Saturday, April 23, 2011
Thank you Watchdog for the positive reinforcement.
April Josephson
9:45 pm on Saturday, April 23, 2011
No doubt that they are both qualified. I was surprised that Mr. Raney didn't make the short list, since he gave one of the best interviews. But, Carol Gamble is still the BEST qualified and the best choice to replace Gary Thompson.
Chris McLaughlin
3:34 pm on Saturday, April 23, 2011
Martin, as if to respond to your headline, it seems that Jesse has picked the later:
http://www.joinjesse.com/?p=468
Kid Chicago
6:55 am on Thursday, April 28, 2011
Good Luck to Councilwoman Carol Gamble, maybe a woman's touch will help calm the stormy seas.