It's a wonderful life (as a councilman)

Many years ago, I received "It's a Wonderful Life" on VHS as a Christmas gift. I watched about half of it and got bored. I know, I know. It's a wonderful movie. Jimmy Stewart is great. How can you be so cold? La-dee-da.

Everyone seems to have a soft spot for that movie -- including Councilman Rex Gutierrez, who ended last night's meeting with these words:

I also want to thank the people who came out tonight. I've worked hard in this city ... and for many, many years ... and I like being in the streets solving problems. And I will say with no disregard, no malice intended for our staff ... in bureaucracy , in any government, there are people who fall through the cracks. And they're not getting the attention they sought. I like following up and finding those who've fallen through the cracks and assisting them.

It was so funny to see this crowd tonight because it reminded me of this movie I saw with Jimmy Stewart called "It's a Wonderful Life."

It was funny as I was out there in the aisles, the people who said, "You've helped me with this and you've helped me with that. And thank you for doing this. And remember me, you did this for us."

It brought a lot of joy to me, that's the joy I get for serving this wonderful city. I remember the movie said, "A man who has friends is really the richest man in town." I feel like I've earned that friendship from these people and no one, no one can take that away.

I say we continue our team building, continue to get along. We've spent years having these team building sessions at I don't know what cost. Looks like it's not quite there yet. They talk about the Rancho way. Well, I don't call kicking a man while he's down, I don't call that the Rancho way. I just ask for your patience while I work out my issues in a civil dispute with my former employer, that's all it is. And we'll get through it but it  does not affect my work as a councilman. So i just want to thank you for your patience and understanding. And that's it.