Westminster - Last night's City Council meeting was calm, but some passionate speakers expressed their disappointment with Councilman Andy Quach over his recent DUI where he was driving with a .26 Blood Alcohol Content, three times the legal limit; hitting another car and hitting a power pole, causing a power outage for 300 of his constituents and part of a block wall fence of two of his constituents. 

Councilman Quach asked for time to speak before the Council began to address Agenda items.  He apologized, and in a brief statement said that no one was more dissappointed in him than he is.  His statement appeared to be sincere; you can view it (it may not be on there immediately) on the Westminster City Homepage, click on:http://www.westminster-ca.gov/depts/cityclerk/livecouncil.asp  and click on the meeting video of 8/12/09. 

Several speakers condemed Quach for his lack of judgement and the poor example he has set for others.   The first speaker indicated he is tired of hearing politicians say "I take full responsibility for my actions" indicating that this is the usual rhetoric from irresponsible politicians that want to public to overlook their poor judgement, since they (the politician) is usually required by law to take responsibility anyway, it seems redundant for them to state that they are taking "full responsibility" and make it appear as if they are being humble.  Another commentor implied that other council members were not completely innocent of similar actions. 

Supporters indicated we are all human and all make mistakes. It is a shame when one's life is defined by the worst thing one has ever done.  Some speakers called for a re-call and indicated that Quach should resign to save the taxpayers money on a recall.  The last speaker, gave a very favorable commentary on Quach and indicated he was one of the best councilmen Westminster has had.  That speaker did not identify himself as Mr. Quach's attorney, but he is.  One of his closing remarks included comments about integrity and honesty.  Well perhaps he should have practiced that by disclosing that he was Quach's attorney.  It appeared to me that before Quach's attorney gave his comments without identifying that he was indeed Quach's attorney; that just the right amount of condemnation and the right amount of support had been expressed by the speakers.  When Quach's attorney spoke many in the audience knew he was Quach's attorney from reading his name in the newspaper; and were shaking their heads in disapproval as he commented.  One attendee shouted out after he walked away from the microphone "in the interest of honesty and integrity how about disclosing that you are Quach's attorney?" His speech seemed to move the "meter" to the negative side.  Outside the council chambers several attendees made direct comments to the attorney and his excuse was that he thought it might be "self serving" to identify himself as Quach's attorney.  Watchers thought just the opposite. 

I have been keeping a close watch on all the blogs, and the comments after each article on the OC REGISTER's articles about Quach's accident.  It seemed as though there would have been many more speakers there to condemn Quach, but they were a no-show.  It could have been that an article appeared in the paper yesterday indicating that Quach "may be at the meeting" which gave the obvious message that perhaps he would not be there.  Or it could be that they will be at the next meeting.

Councilwatcher Darrell Nolta also offered his comments regarding the lack of the publics ability now to speak on agenda items as they come up and also commented on the Quach situation.

Some speakers wanted information from the City Clerk on how to start a recall.  I doubt that will happen, it takes a great deal of organized effort to pull off a recall.  In another recent recall attempt at a local school district with a very organized union; and not that many signatures required, they were unable to gather sufficient signatures to effect the recall.

The other councilpersons listened and offered some comments on Quach's situation indicating they were just glad no one was hurt; and that this was a private matter.  Van Tran, who appeared at the scene of the accident was not present to support Quach at the meeting.