Darned If You Do, Darned If You Don't

Posted in July 10th, 2008 by Administrator in San Bernardino County

I have had this post in the back of my mind, and as time has permitted, I have been conducting some research for it. I didn't plan on writing it for a few more days, but the letter to the editor below caused me to want to get this said.

I think it is safe to say that a majority of us want to see Bill Postmus held accountable for his actions. Many are gleeful over the current events. Almost as many feel the same about Adam Aleman, although he does have his share of supporters. There are others in both the Assessor's office and the BOS who many feel need to go down too and rightfully so.

That being said, there are four people that have popped up in conversations, letters, and articles that have "done the right thing" or at least have "done no wrong," but whose names are lumped in with the others. I've been surprised at the amount of wrath and hate aimed at them with no apparent justifiable cause. They are Mike Richman, Joshua White, and Adam Aleman's parents.

Mr. Richman agreed to a contract for services. The contract did not violate county policy. If he had not contracted with the county another PR firm would have for the same amount of money with the same duties required. Mr. Richman met the terms of his contract. When called by the Grand Jury to testify, it appears based on the search warrant affidavits, he totally cooperated with the investigation and he told the truth. He also, within a short period of time, terminated his contract with the County of San Bernardino. My contacts tell me he never wants to do business with this county again. Can you blame him? His name is bantered around like he caused Adam chose to perjure documents. But he didn't. No one knows why Adam did what Adam did except perhaps Bill Postmus. Mr. Richman did the right thing when he discovered what was really going on in this county.

Mr. White was a special assistant to the Assessor's Office (he was an Executive Secretary in payscale only). By all accounts he was a very intelligent rising star. The quality of his work apparently far exceeded what one would expect from someone his age. He received glowing recommendations from those that worked with him. When called by the Grand Jury to testify, it appears he too told the truth and cooperated. He also gave notice immediately, which was documented in local newspapers.

Both Mr. Richman and Mr. White showed a great deal of integrity in how they handled the situation. Both discovered what was really going on and considered their reputations to be more important than their paychecks. They are both young and ethical and many of our experienced elected officials could learn from the example they set. It's too bad that so many members of the public are quick to judge and lump them in with the real criminals. I suspect few that are being so pious now would have taken the highroad these gentlemen chose to take.

And finally I will address the issue of Adam's parents. Most of you read the letter his parents sent to the Sun on Tuesday. I have been appalled at some of the rude comments I have since seen directed at Adam's parents. I doubt Mr. and Ms. Aleman are any different than most parents. They are hurting and scared right now. The probably wonder where they went wrong. And they are being dutiful parents as any of you would be by standing by their son. Adam committed his crimes as an adult. His parents are not responsible for that. No matter what one may think of Adam, his parents are victims too and they don't deserve condemnation. A little emotional support while they go through this difficult time would be more appropriate.

I am very dismayed at the judgmental attitude of some people toward individuals that have tried to do what is right. Few have taken the time to get the facts. Those that have done wrong deserve to be punished but those that have not don't deserve such animosity from strangers. Any one of us could be falsely accused. This situation certainly doesn't support the concept of "doing the right thing." It seems one gets condemned no matter what.