Victor Hernandez, The Illegitimate Councilman

I’m writing this blog on June 18, 2011, and that’s no accident.  It was one year ago today that Victor Hernandez took the oath of  office as a member of the city council.

Unfortunately, according to the city charter, he was not eligible to serve, and today, one year later, he remains ineligible to serve.

The reason, as you probably know, is that when he was a candidate, and when he was sworn in, Hernandez was behind on paying his city taxes, and according to the charter, he therefore forfeited his office. He later paid his taxes,but the fact that he had already forfeited his office meant that the only way to get back on the council was to run in another election and win.

At least that’s what should have happened.  But the city council and district attorney gave him a gift, by choosing not to go to court to enforce the city charter, and Hernandez is serving on the council.

So on this date, June 18, 2011, we observe the first anniversary of the date an illegitimate city councilman took the oath of office.

Happy Anniversary.