On Friday, Father Robert Rien issued a statement stating he has not endorsed any candidate and those using his image to give the appearance of his support is doing so without his permission.
Rien, who is Pastor at St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish as well as Fire Chaplin for Contra Costa County Fire, says he is not allowed to become political in any way or give the appearance.
In a recent campaign mailer by Brentwood City Councilmemeber Jovita Mendoza, she is sharing a photograph of her and Rein at fire station 92 in Brentwood—suggesting he is endorsing her for city council.
“As a priest of the Diocese of Oakland and the Pastor of one of the largest faith communities in East County and as the Lead Chaplain for Contra Costa Fire Protection District, I am not allowed to publicly endorse or support any candidate running for any public office. The use of this photograph gives the impression that I am supportive of her in her candidacy which is not possible nor allowed by either my bishop nor the Fire Chief. I sent her an email and asked her to revoke the flyer and declare that she had done this without my permission and that I am not in support of her candidacy nor is it possible for me to do so. To this date, she has not responded to my email request.”
Rien said Friday that the image was taken during the push-in ceremony and he took photographs with many people that day, but to use his image as if he and the fire department were endorsing her was a stretch. He also called it “unprofessional” and “unethical”.
Attempts to have the photograph removed or get a retraction have not been successful.
“For over a week, no response, no phone calls or response to emails,” said Rien who also explained that when other candidates have used his photograph on materials in the past, they would remove it immediately without question.
Mendoza, however, continues has been unresponsive.
Rien remains concerned about the use of his image for a variety of reasons which include jeopardizing non-profit status, it could trigger a response by the IRS, or could jeopardize work they are doing with the homeless, including a potential 21-tiny homes housing project in the works.
“We have a great dream to build 21 homes for single people and families along with wrap-around services for 5-years. To get involved or give appearance that I am involved in the political arena, it cannot happen,” said Rien.
He said all a church can do is encourage residents to vote in an election and pick the best candidate for them, but they are not allowed to endorse any candidate or any proposition and the must stay out of politics.
“I must maintain my standing as a spiritual person in community, fire department and catholic church. All we can do is encourage people to vote and exercise the great privilege to vote. I cannot influence voters in any way,” says Rien.
He says both the fire chief and Bishop are aware and the situation is being monitored.
“I do not want my superiors or the fire chief to think that I have somehow taken on supporting any candidate. It was done by someone else to make it look like I would support a candidate. Its just not possible and I would not endorse any candidate,” said Rien.
Rien, who is not even a City of Brentwood resident, encourages the Brentwood community to learn about each of the candidates and vote for the best candidate for them.
Any endorsement from the firefighters would not come directly from Contra Costa County Fire, but rather the United Professional Firefighters of Contra Costa County, Local 1230.
Editors Note: Rien attempted to simply handle this with with an email and without a public incident. With no response, it prompted him to go to the City of Brentwood who then informed him he had to go to the FPPC. When the FPPC says they do not handle misleading campaign material who pointed him back to the City of Brentwood. His last stop to clear his name/image being used was the media which a letter was sent to multiple local news agencies highlighting the situation.
5 comments
Mendoza wasn’t the only candidate to do so. Bernal also had a picture of Father Robert on a campaign flyer for Bernal. This was also brought to Father Robert’s attention. As of today, it is unknown if Bernal’s campaign was contacted, and if Father Robert’s photo was removed from the campaign literature.
Talk about the run around. Of course her campaign probably won’t respond.
Fortunately I don’t live in Brentwood, but if I did I would never vote for her.
At least the Bernal campaign responded positively to his predicament.
More of her unethical and unprofessional behavior.
Another slow blog day I see…
not really, he wants to clear his name. Can’t blame him. I wouldn’t want to be associated with her either.