Dateline Compton – Because he is willfully treading a path seldom explored by mainstream politicians, it is impossible to predict the future of Compton City Councilman Isaac Galvan.
Given his consistently displayed degree of anger, the temptation for observers is to lean negatively.
Three years into office as the community’s first Latino elected to the Council, Mr. Galvan consistently has earned an F in public relations, the first commandment for a presumably ambitious but clearly green public figure.
Racist name-calling charges publicly were leveled this week against the 29-year-old Mr. Galvan.
Based on past performance, his response was predictable. He ducked into hiding. Normal politicians would deny or at least obfuscate.
His so-called liaison, Sergio Calderon, is no prizes communicator. He is as invisible as his boss.
Those are not fellow Latinos encircling him in a protective gesture. No defenders are even in sight.
When his accusers marched into last Tuesday’s Council meeting, only AWOL Mr. Galvan’s four black colleagues were present.
Last year he ran a failed campaign for the state Senate, which might have been a shrug. It is noteworthy, however, that he a memorable endorsement story was posted on his website that only further tarnished his scuff-marked reputation.
The Los Angeles Times’ headline read:
“Whoops! Compton politician posts endorsements — from people who didn’t endorse him.”
Four people asserted they never endorsed a politician with a penchant for behaving at least oddly if not poorly. Regularly.
