Jon – you "missed the Mark" in your scathing commentary on Fontana Mayor Mark Nuaimi. I posted a similar message as a commentary to your post, but I felt strongly enough to revise and post it here.
I have worked with Nuaimi numerous times (including running his campaigns for Mayor), and yes, I am proud to have done so.
Mark originally gained notoriety in a virtually one-man crusade to crack down on widespread prostitution and drug sales along Foothill Boulevard in Fontana – just blocks from schools and playgrounds. His efforts led to a massive crack down and propelled him to the City Council.
Then Mark took on incumbent Democrat Mayor David Eshelman, when no one thought he could win. He won because he showed a real passion and vision for his city. He had the courage to stand up while the polished politicians hid in the back room.
Since then, Mark has been an effective and able Mayor for Fontana – helping develop new leaders; transforming the City Council from a squabbling sandlot to an effective, cohesive body; and bringing a new sense of pride and prosperity to a city once derisively referred to as “Fon-tucky.”
Most of the Colton issues you reference (including the recall) are a product of political maneuvers by Joe “I need to find my sons a job” Baca, rather than the slanted picture you painted.
And, unlike the state, Fontana is well managed and doesn’t have a monumental budget shortfall…so perhaps such ire is better directed at Legislators who accepted pay raises instead.
Nuaimi is passionate and opinionated, sometimes uses colorful metaphors, and often pokes fun at his own stubbornness – but give me those qualities over the slick, milquetoast wafflers or the pontificating do-nothing politicians any day.
Mark Nuaimi has been good for Fontana, good for local Republicans, good for taxpayers and a breath of fresh air for those tired of over-cautious politicians too scared to stand up for what they believe.
I’m not nominating him for saint-hood – and assuredly he can make mistakes. But I’ve worked with a lot of candidates over the years – a handful of them stand out as real leaders: people with loyalty, courage, conviction and the ability to lead. Mark Nuaimi is one of those few.
So, here’s a big raspberry for your commentary. If there’s a fight brewing, Mark is unlikely to run away. And I will be standing there with him!