John Haarsma: Sympathy, but no patience, for Gunderson

Re “City leader sued over card debt” (Page B1, April 9): During the lingering economic downturn it is all too easy to succumb to the temptation of building up credit card debt beyond one’s ability to pay it off in a reasonable time. This said, I have empathy for Modesto City Councilmember John Gunderson concerning the lawsuit levied against him by Citibank for over $14,000 in unpaid credit card obligations (reported in The Bee).

It is my contention that while Gunderson is striving to be a good councilman, he regrettably does not possess the skills required to best benefit Modesto’s needs for today and the future ahead. The councilman lacks a business background – and often appears disengaged while on the council dais.

Gunderson’s attorney, Kevin King, appears to have a serious lack of interest in the case. All in all, my biggest problem with Gunderson is that he just isn’t a great communicator; and “that” is an imperative quality in the field of public service.

This story was originally published May 12, 2015 at 4:52 PM with the headline "John Haarsma: Sympathy, but no patience, for Gunderson."