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Lancaster mayor apologizes after ‘hit mailer’ backlash

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Parris apology Campaign mailer
Click image to view Parris’ Facebook response in full. Click here
to view the political mailer that generated the backlash.

LANCASTER – Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris apologized Friday after backlash over a political mailer he produced, which claimed City Council candidate Johnathon Ervin was a “gang candidate” who had led an “anti-law enforcement protest.” View the mailer here.

(L to R) Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris and Lancaster City Council candidate Johnathon Ervin.
(L to R) Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris and Lancaster City Council candidate Johnathon Ervin.

The apology came after an Associated Press story, titled “Lancaster mayor blasted for ‘gang candidate’ claim,” was printed in newspapers across the country and some abroad. (Read our initial story here.)

In a lengthy letter posted Friday to his Facebook page, Parris explained his reasoning behind the campaign flyer, which many have dubbed a “hit mailer.”

He said his message had been “miscast in the ugliest possible racial terms” and concluded his letter by “apologizing for any perceived slight or insult to our citizens.” Read the entire letter below:

I am saddened and dismayed by comments I’ve seen on social media and in the news in the last 24 hours. The topic under discussion is the political mailer I sent to registered voters discussing candidate John Ervin. The message has been miscast in the ugliest possible racial terms by those with a political agenda. The African American Leadership Council and I met. They persuaded me to clarify my statements.

Racism has no place in local governance. Ervin calling me a racist is not unusual. He once accused me of being a racist because my administrative assistant is African American. But here, the “race card” is played to divert attention from the mailer’s true message.

Just a few years ago, crime was rampant, gang activity went unchecked and our streets were unsafe. The city council initiated numerous programs to address these problems, at every step – John Ervin – opposed every measure; every idea we put forth. He opposed stopping Section 8 abuse, he opposed stopping gangs from wearing their colors on our streets, he opposed removing 2,000 pit bulls from our streets, and he opposed our right to pray at council meetings. This is why I labeled him the “gang candidate.

Some question my use of a photo in the mailer taken at the memorial honoring the memory of the late Trayvon Martin – an event I was unable to attend but supported. Some see this as hypocrisy; Ervin is crying “racist.” The facts are that some people used the march as a protest against law enforcement. I was disturbed by the many signs that read: “No Justice/No Peace.” I saw a threat in that sentiment. I still do.

Ervin organized the event, took out the permit for the event and gave the microphone to some speakers to slander our deputy sheriffs. I was offended by this as were many of the people who supported the march. All of us should be offended by this, people of every race.

Murderers!? These are the people who keep us safe! In their service and dedication to duty, they are not so different from the brave men and women who serve in our military overseas. Yet Mr. Ervin, so eager to remind us of his service in uniform, did nothing to denounce those in his march who demeaned and insulted our deputies. Hypocrisy, indeed!

Ervin sent out mailers of his own, to Republican high propensity voters proudly showing him standing next to Republican leaders proclaiming that he’s pro-law-enforcement – a stance that is belied by his past behavior. His mail to Republicans shows him shooting a handgun claiming he supports the right of people to carry guns. Yet, he is a Democrat and supports his party’s platform opposing people’s right to carry concealed weapons.

I’ll conclude by apologizing for any perceived slight or insult to our citizens. The mailer’s message might not be eloquent, but it remains an important message. I stand by it. I urge every voter in Lancaster to ignore the racial epithets and political posturing, and look to the deeper truth.

R. Rex Parris

Editor’s Note: Parris supported, but did not attend the “Hoodie March,” yet he continues to insist that a speaker at the march labeled local sheriff’s deputies as “murderers.”  In our recollection of the march, the only speaker who referenced the local sheriff’s department was Parris’ Human Tapestry Relations Commissioner Dr. Miguel Coronado. Coronado was appointed to the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station’s Community Advisory Committee this year. We caught up with Coronado on Thursday, and he said, while he could not recall his formal speech at the march, he didn’t believe he used the terms “murderers” and “thugs.” Other media reports have stated that Coronado is on a leave of absence from his post as a Lancaster city commissioner while his comments are being investigated. While there is no video online of Coronado’s speech at the Hoodie March, there is video of an interview conducted with Coronado just before the march began. View it below.

Previous related stories:

March organizer: Parris political mailer is a “flat out lie!”

Why you should vote on April 8

Candidate calls for investigation of Lancaster election policy

‘Hoodie March’ in Lancaster draws hundreds

68 comments for "Lancaster mayor apologizes after ‘hit mailer’ backlash"

  1. Everybody who can needs to vote & take some a couple to vote Johnathan. Rex was very disrespectful and he needs to sit next him for a couple years.

  2. So Miguel “Lancaster gang commissioner” Coronado was all over Channel 3 news tonight apologizing and claiming the ‘sheriffs are murderers/thugs’ comments from the hoodie march. Old Miguel threw himself at the mercy of the city council and resigned his commission post for comments he made two years ago, comments that Mayor Parris is now blaming Johnathon Ervin for!! The icing on the cake was when Miguel Coronado said he agreed with the mayor’s hit mailer and that Johnathon should be blamed for comments he (Coronado) made! To fall on the sword completely, Miguel said he agreed with the mayor’s hit mailer whether it was true or not because the mayor was exercising his freedom of speech. Smh… Can’t make this stuff up.

  3. It is important to tie Rex’s mailer and non-apology apology to Crist and Smith. Smith actually approved it and should suffer the consequences. Crist ran away like the wuss he is.

    • there is no difference between paris and crist other than paris has more money and is more evily smarter. they both lie, they both serve frank and the power brokers, they both waste taxpayer money, they both have embarrassing pasts, they both can give a rats ass about us common folk. screw them. one vote for ervin will be the beginning of real change.

      • Rex writes it, paperboy chinless Ron Smith delivers it and Marvin sits idle like a toad on a lily pad and pretends it has nothing to do with him. The negative attention and ill-fame these three individuals have brought upon Lancaster should be enough for any citizen to wish them forcefully retired from the positions of trusts they have managed to slither into. They are self-serving, selfish, rude, arrogant and dictatorial, people whose immorality casts a dark shadow on the rest of us.

  4. It’ll be interesting to see how the ejection, I mean election goes. I’m just curious: Do you believe Ervin is a legitimately good choice, or do you treat him as the ‘lesser evil’

  5. Wow! The Mayor sure was a slippin’ and a slidin’ on TV! “I stand by what I said, but I may have used a word that I shouldn’t have used, but if it gets me what I want, I’ll say it.” That is the definition of the Mayor of Lancaster. I say things I shouldn’t say unless they get the result that I want. Then I say that you shouldn’t be mad at what I say because that wasn’t the result I wanted. It must be a strange wonderland that the Mayor lives in…..

  6. Raymond’s gift in life is the ability of being run out of town and making it seem as if he is leading a parade.

  7. So Ervin is too left, Parris’s cronies mean no change, then who is there left to vote for?

    • Ervin is not too left. He is a down to earth common-sense guy. That is just what Rex wants you to believe.

    • I believe that he is having a meet and greet at a former Councilwoman’s house. The best way to decide is to speak to the man himself. He is a surprisingly soft-spoken individual, but he’s got a will of steel: exactly the type of person I want leading my City as well as leading my Nation’s troops. I expect good things from the Master Sergeant.

  8. I always vote and always against Perris and his Klan of the Good ‘ol Boys. I will make sure not to miss this election and will vote again the Good ‘ol Boys. As far as the LBC. What kind of Christian church are they supporting a mayor who gives homeless people a bagged lunch and a one way ticket on the bus back to LA???? You don’t just heartlessly get rid of people who need help. You show compassion. There’s nothing Christ-like about him or his followers. Each and every one of those hypocrites will one day meet their maker!!!

  9. Lets walk the talk and lets go vote on April 8!!!
    Lets all get the real facts straight and vote for the right person , only us the citizens can really make a difference in this monopolized city we call Lancaster!!

  10. THAT was an apology? He did not apologize for what he said -he apologized for someone being hurt by it! So, he turned the focus to those who were slighted, away from his own statement. Mr. Mayor, how about “I apologize for what I said – I was wrong.” THAT is what a real apology looks like. So glad I live in Palmdale.

    • He didn’t apologize to Jonathan Ervin which was as obvious as a full moon on a clear night. Did anyone expect a real apology from Rex Parris? It’s not in his DNA just like he can’t get pregnant, he can’t apologize authentically.

      He began with “I’m saddened and dismayed…” just like Governor Chris Christie in New Jersey, playing the poor victim of someone else’s actions. Poor, poor Rex.

      Didya feel sorry for poor Rex that his mailer offended some people? Did that silly apology sound familiar like you’ve heard other politicians and pundits do the same victim thing? Yeah. They must teach that in “Crooked Politician University of the Antelope Valley”. I guess you can call any group of buildings a ‘university’ in Lancaster. Ask whatsherface.

    • Aw, don’t be so rough on ole Rexie. He has a hard time with concepts such as apologizing, telling the truth, maintaining integrity, bullying, greed, power, deceitfulness, control, and the like.

  11. Next time somone from the LBC comes a-knocking on your door, talk to them. Tell them what you think of Rex Parris and the church’s support of him and his divisive conduct.

    Fight fire with fire. Use their proselytizing on your doorstep as an opportunity to shame them for supporting Rex Parris. Follow them as they leave your property letting them know what you think of Parris.

    Turn the tables on them.

    • I like it! I believe that I will take that advice the next time they come a-knockin’ at MY door!

      Bwah-ha-ha-ha-haaaaaa!

      • They don’t come that often to my house and my first reaction is to get rid of them as fast as I can.

        So, I’m gonna have to remember to talk to them, politely, honestly but firmly.

        The hypocrisy of their congregation supporting Rex and his crew when they must know of his un-Christian and disgusting behavior shouldn’t be ignored. They must be made to hear it. Often. They are the folks who keep Rex is power. If they turn their backs on him, he’s a goner and good riddance.

        Can you tell I’m not a fan of Rex Parris and I doubt he likes me or anyone else for that matter? He is not amenable to an intelligent, reasonable discourse or debate. He calls local officials and candidates names and engages in the lowest form of filthy politics. He doesn’t deserve respect or being taken seriously on any issue. He can’t be trusted even when he recently said he wants to tear down the Cactus Curtain and get along with Mayor Ledford. Did anyone think that Rex was authentic and sincere when he said that? Raise your hand.

        • Please remember that not all members of LBC support Parris. I for one am just as annoyed with him as the next person. I’d just hate to see one’s religious views get wrapped into this. I’d LIKE to think all members (and all citizens for that matter) look at the facts when voting, but I can only speak for myself.

          • @Ca.
            Are the members of the LBC who have supported Rex Parris in the past speaking out about his outrageous behavior, especially the disgusting hit mailer he sent about Jonathan Ervin?

            If not, they should be criticized as well as Parris himself. They are hypocrites if they stay silent while he does what does. They should disassociate themselves from Parris, but they haven’t, have they? Looks bad for the church.

            Isn’t that correct, Ca?

        • LBC’s infiltration with Saturday morning knocki-loos spreading the ‘word’ into Palmdale is a blind effort to eventually swing the votes in certain neighborhoods to Rex’s agenda. Put up the barbed-wire on Ave M – they’re not welcome.

  12. Mayor is at it again, get the voter out or they will win, they are counting on the Lancaster Baptist Church for votes, plain and simple, Oh, keep an eye on the ballot boxes.

    • Yes exactly. LBC is good for 3000 votes, that’s why Rex goes there. SO we need 10,000 to come out and crush the extremist white power right wing hold over our city. Look around at Lancaster and then look at the Majority white Ruling class at city hall. The time is now to make a change and send a message. We have 2 more years of Rex unless we move to recall the Mayor.

      • But Wait! Didn’t Lancaster PAID expert tell us that Lancaster’s elections are pure and untainted from voter polarization unlike Palmdale and Santa Clarita? That’s why Rex had to sue those BAD cities. But not Lancaster. No, they have elections where Ron Smith, supporter of AZ’s immigration law, is the choice candidate of the Hispanic community. That’s what $20K will get you.

      • Gary – I’m not sure what being “white” has to do with the way Rex runs his show. However, the fact that you said it twice bothers me and I have to wonder if you dislike all white people… just sayin’

        • I am NOT a fan of the mayors, I just think as soon as someone points out the color of your skin THEY’RE the one with issues.

  13. Palmcaster, home of the original dirty campaign! So glad I live in Rosamond! Funny how this kind of crap, will only get people to come out and vote because they will be motivated by hate.

  14. Raymond Perris is obviously not fond of the “people” who have moved to his HIS Lancaster over the past 20 years, Deputy Chinless notwithstanding, and has a difficult time disguising the fact. As mayor he is not awful. There is some good that has come from the things he has done, albeit who benefits most is another matter. What is most unfortunate is the fact he cannot control his fragile ego from putting Lancaster on the map for all the wrong reason which is why business looks elsewhere when deciding where to invest. If the poor man can simply conquer his “little man” complex, he would be emotionally better off and who knows, perhaps even better liked.

  15. I wonder how much the right-wing conservative Republicans are going to love Rex when Al and Jesse show up with the bullhorns outside of his law office. Knowing him, he’d probably invite them in, give them $100K apiece, and they’d all walk out arm-in-arm to a news conference.

  16. I bet the chinless bailiff, our very own deputy dog Ron Smith designed the hit mailer about Irvin just for Raymond.

    • It helps Ron to be ‘chinless’ so it doesn’t get in the way when he’s …….y’know….paying his ‘respects’ to Rex.

    • You mean Ron Smith the graphic art business owner… say it isn’t so. Of course he did they all get together and laugh at us and what they are doing to Lancaster.

  17. We definitely need a change in this city. Let’s vote for someone who’s not afraid to take on crime whether it’s Section 8 abusers, gang activity, drug related, etc. regardless of color, ethnicity, or social class. Stop playing the race card! I’m a “minority” and as a minority I’m tired of struggling and feeling unsafe in this town. We don’t need a candidate that’s going to enable crime or continue to make excuses for those who are “less fortunate”. Hard work and honesty does not have color. I want to know exactly how each candidate is going to follow through on these promises. A mailer, posting ,or news article should not be the reason why you cast your vote. Be responsible, as we expect of the candidates, and do your research.

    • Yes, let’s take care of the Section 8 offenders! Let’s start by not protecting the slumlords who blame the residents when the fault lines squarely on their shoulders. If you allow slumlords who don’t respect the residents, the city or the laws, stop complaining about what kind of people you have living there! You may be a “minority” (whatever the quotes mean) but you sound like a racist and a Republican through and through. How dare you insinuate that hard work and honesty is reserved for non-minorities. And I said insinuate, not that you came out and blatantly said it (although your point is clearly apparent). You sound like a shill to me, or the most ignorant “minority” I have ever talked to. I’m leaning toward a Rex brown-noser. Nice try.

    • Parris once said on the local teevee news that he welcomed Section 8 renters to occupy the vacant homes. This was a few years ago.

      I wonder if it’s possible to look up the owners of Section 8 rentals. Why would their names not be public information since the government is paying them directly with our tax dollars? THAT is the real Section 8 scandal.

      The renters don’t get the money but the focus or blame it put on them. I wonder why conservatives don’t want to cut Section 8 money like they do food stamps or extended unemployment insurance.

      Is it because, as landlords, they benefit from the government rent check every month? Think about it. Paul Ryan and the other misers don’t ever mention Section 8 cuts. They’ll cut food for schoolchildren first.

  19. This man-and I use the term loosely- should be kicked out of office! I am appalled at his mailer and his attitude. I never did like him and this is just one more thing to dislike. He says he’s for Lancaster, but in reality, he’s only for Rex Parris. His apology is not an apology.It’s his way of trying to make himself look good but it failed. He makes me sick and I for one will gladly vote him out!

  20. From Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary
    apol·o·gy
    noun \ə-ˈpä-lə-jē\

    1.: a statement saying that you are sorry about something : an expression of regret for having done or said something wrong

    2. apologies : an expression of regret for not being able to do something

    3.: something that is said or written to defend something that other people criticize

    Technically, Rex did ‘apologize’ if you only look at the 3rd definition. But, he totally failed at the 1st definition.

    He’s a lawyer so he knows how to manipulate language. But, we’re wise to him.

    I wish we could have words mean exaclty one particular thing rather than being all over the map so that people can pick and chose what definitions they like. Right wingers are especially good at messing with the English language.

  21. That is such a bad apology that he may as well have not bothered to issue one at all! First he claims he’s sorry, but then he brings up the same statement he made on that mailer. But as they say, what goes around comes around.

    • Notice that the a**h***, Rex Parris, apologized to the citizens and not to Jonathan Ervin.

      He starts by playing the victim just like that fat slob Chris Christie by saying he’s ‘saddened and dismayed’ just like Christie did that his staff lied to him but not for the inconvenience the lane closures caused to thousands of New Jersey motorists.

      These guys are all alike. They know how to use the legal system to do whatever they want and avoid the consequences. And, they LIE as easily as they breathe.

      How can someone be so thoughtless, dishonest and arrogant and think it’s OK? His behavior is unacceptable in children. He needs therapy and that might be a long project.

  23. Thanks, Rex baby. Your big mouth brought a lot of media attention to an April election that usually has low voter turnout. But, you probably didn’t do Crist and Smith any favors in the process.

    It’s likely more and more voters will vote for Jonathan Ervin just because of your hit mailer and non-apology apology.

    You just can’t help yourself Rex. Keep up the good work.

    When Ervin is elected, that means you’re next to go Rex.

  25. “I urge every voter in Lancaster to ignore the racial epithets and political posturing, and look to the deeper truth.”

    R. Rex Parris

    Finally some good advice from the liar himself: heed it and vote for Ervin!

  26. As a supposed “Christian,” Parris should know that one must be truly repentant to receive forgiveness. As he is clearly not repentant in any way for his incredible deceptive attitude and actions, there will be no forgiveness.

    • You’re familiar with ‘self-cleaning ovens’, Stinger. I wish ‘Christianity’ had a ‘self-cleaning’ feature too.

      So many pretend to be Christian and other Christians let them slide. People like Parris do more harm to the Christian brand than any atheist or the harshest critics.

  27. He said, “murderer,” or “murdered” on the video at least four times. He didn’t say, “thug” though, so it’s all good. Sarcasm intended.

    • Since the speaker in this video is a sitting Commissioner of Parris’, shouldn’t you be demanding an apology from the anti-sheriff gang mayor, Parris?

  28. I think we as a community should also get apologies (or at least denunciations) from Tapestry Committee Chairwoman Sue Dell as well as other Rex appointees like Dr. Marshall and Denise Latanzi. Rex took Johnathan Ervin to task for not apologizing or denouncing the statements made at the “Hoodie March,” and those on the so-called “Tapestry” Commission should be very quick to denounce these statements. After all, that’s what they are there for, isn’t it? To call out hate for what it is? Or does hate speech not apply if one is the Mayor of Lancaster with tons of money?

    If these public denunciations are not forthcoming, it will be immediately obvious that these people were appointed to these commissions to shut them up, not help them speak out. I would hope (but I’m not holding my breath) that there will be a wave of resignations from the different commissions. I would personally be ashamed to be part of a commission that Rex appointed. But unfortunately I suffer from conscience, unlike others in Lancaster government.

    • Rex really has a way with amoral ambitious folks. It is remarkable how he can get those folks to defend him. If someone is supporting Rex, you can just about guess that they are amoral and ambitious. Don’t expect apologies any time soon.

    • Unfortunately, unlike you, Rex and his followers don’t suffer from conscience. It is so amazing that Rex is supported by a church community. I guess they are unaware of their own hypocrisy as they benefit from having Rex funneling resources their way.

      Isn’t it time that they be shamed by the community? He’s using them and they are using him. Sickening.

      He calls Lancaster a ‘Christian community’ and puts “In God We Trust” on the wall of the council chambers and they slavishly vote for him and his minions. Doesn’t matter to them how un-Christian his behavior is, does it?

      • Unfortunately, you are right again, William. I don’t think we’ll see anything out of Sue Dell, though because Rex made the Fairgrounds available to her for her event, and if she comes out with a public disagreement…..there goes her Lavender event sponsorship. Even the local NAACP is afraid to cross him because of donations he has made. It’s amazing what lots of money will buy.

        I suspect that if Johnathan Ervin gets elected, he’ll find himself cut out of all pictures at City events, his agenda information will get misplaced, if he tries to get an item on the agenda, Sandra Johnson will get hers on first, etc. The same old stuff that Rex used to pull on Ken Mann before he drank the Kool-aid.

  29. That certainly was an awful non-apology apology.

    But, consider the source.

    Parris sent out a dishonest ‘hit mailer’ before the power plant hearing.

    He is rotten to the core.

  30. I don’t see Rex’s statement as an apology in any way, not even a backhanded one. Ad I find it completely laughable that he thinks there’s no more gang-related crimes than there were just a few years ago. It just proves that 1) he’s severely out of touch on the goings-on in the city HE is in charge of, and 2) he’s trying to blow smoke up everyone’s butt and paint Lancaster as this beautiful, crime-free, corruption-free, and family-friendly town. Having lived here since 2001, I know that’s absolutely untrue.

    Rex is just a ridiculous and manipulative [removed] who needs to be voted out of office.

  31. Amen Coronado!
    The Mayor and his mailer stand alone. Great example of a backhanded apology.