War of the Words

For years, Chula Vista City Council Chambers has served as the battleground for many political wars. The latest battle continues more than a month after Deputy Mayor McCann’s deployment to Iraq.

During last Tuesday’s city council meeting, before the council voted to fill McCann’s seat through an appointment process similar to the one used for the port commissioner, residents broadsided councilmember Rudy Ramirez over comments he made about McCann after he left for Iraq.

The harshest of all the comments came during a twelve-minute diatribe from Myssie McCann, the deputy mayor’s wife. It was then that Mrs. McCann accused Ramirez of political opportunism, callousness, and an overall insensitivity towards military veterans.

“I stand before you as the spouse of a serviceman, meaning to discuss the appalling and disgusting behavior of the city council, specifically Rudy Ramirez, towards my husband’s military service,” Mrs. McCann said from the dais about comments made during the last month’s council meeting after McCann’s deployment. “Instead of honoring the military families in the City of Chula Vista, [Ramirez’] priorities are to play callous political games and try to see how, during my husbands absence, he can attack [councilmember McCann’s] military service and use those attacks for his own political gain.”

Mrs. McCann said Ramirez never contacted councilmember McCann for details regarding his deployment, but waited until after he had left to start asking questions. She also lambasted Ramirez for cracking a joke about whether McCann would still receive a car allowance (McCann opposed car allowance for council members).

“Of course [Ramirez] did this purposely, and ignored the facts. Because [Ramirez] was waiting cowardly for [councilmember McCann’s] departure to ambush [him] with false accusations.”

“[Ramirez] was looking to score political points and had the most despicable of all motivations, ruthless, blind, uncaring political ambition…”

“This is not a game, Rudy, this is real life.”

Afterwards, Ramirez commented on allegations that he was callous and insensitive towards those serving in the military and their families.

“I couldn’t sit and not react to some of the words that have been expressed. I really want [the McCann’s] to know that I recognize the sacrifice that you and your family [have made]. It pained me to think that you, or anybody, might think otherwise. I completely recognize the sacrifice and I wish you the best.”

Councilmember Ramirez did not respond to this correspondent’s request for comment.