Frank Smith: After Castle rifle incident, Price should resign as mayor
Re “Effect of rifle incident on mayor of Atwater is still unclear” (Front page, Jan. 13): It is disgusting to hear some friends of Atwater Mayor Jim Price downplay the shooting incident at Castle Development Center. Our new city manager characterized the mayor’s actions as “everybody makes mistakes.”
I’m sure, James Allen, the young man who dodged ricocheting bullets from Mayor Price’s rifle thought differently. Allen commented that he feared for his life and thought he was going to die.
We expect good judgment from our leaders. When they show outrageous and illegal behavior there is no redemption; driving down an active runway taking potshots from a truck falls exactly in that category. It’s ironic, Price, a big gun advocate, had his concealed gun permit confiscated by Sheriff Vern Warnke – it should never be returned. Now, as the District Attorney mulls felony charges, I would remind Mayor Price that nobody is above the law regardless of one’s status or position. Justice doesn’t make a distinction.
Mayor Price has bought shame and embarrassment to Atwater. He should resign immediately.
Frank Smith, Atwater
This story was originally published January 16, 2018 at 11:40 AM with the headline "Frank Smith: After Castle rifle incident, Price should resign as mayor."