Javier Rangel: Ricci has every right to take on city hall to save X-Fest

Re “X Fest promoter riles, still wins” (Front page, April 28): Jeff Jardine’s tongue lashing of businessman Chris Ricci was innapropriate. I’ve known Chris Ricci for years and have attended X-Fest and promoted my business. Ricci is a hard-working, contributing member of the business community. Jardine’s implication that Ricci should politely cower and make friends and influence people to get a permit insinuates the bureaucracy is some sort of private entity controlling Modesto’s city streets, police department, city staff and council. They are actually there to serve Ricci and all citizens of Modesto.

When did it become not OK for Ricci to publicly challenge the bureaucracy? As public servants, they all work for Ricci and all citizens of Modesto.

Jardine’s description of Ricci using a “petulant, accusatory tone” to spew conspiracy theories in dealing with the city was misguided. Ricci was understandably frustrated. His event, after 16 years, was at the 11th hour put in jeopardy. Why? Because an important person expressed concerns. That’s OK. All concerns should be mitigated. Ultimately, Ricci is absolutely entitled to be treated fairly by the bureaucracy and its public servants.

This story was originally published May 3, 2016 at 12:10 PM with the headline "Javier Rangel: Ricci has every right to take on city hall to save X-Fest."