Facing a recall, Joel Engardio reaps the whirlwind
The cliched definition of “irony” involves a diabetic running to the drugstore being struck by a truck carrying insulin. In Supervisor Joel Engardio’s District 4, enraged locals would claim that truck ought to have been traveling on the Great Highway but was instead diverted onto crowded residential streets — and begin circulating recall petitions. Engardio is both a smart man and a student of local political history. So he understands the irony of the situation he’s in, even if he doesn’t appreciate it. Engardio ascended into the forefront of local politics by fomenting anger at the system and supporting recall movements. But he now finds himself in the crosshairs of those angry at the system — namely, him — and supporting a recall movement — of, namely, him. At issue is Engardio’s championing of Proposition K, which he and four other supervisors placed on November’s ballot. The […]