San Diego Workforce Partnership Scandal Exposes the Democrat Party’s Empty Commitment to Ethics and Accountability: Peter Callstrom’s Alleged Discrimination and Harassment Allowed to Fester Despite Having Democrat Leaders on Governing Board
The recent scandal surrounding Peter Callstrom, CEO of the San Diego Workforce Partnership, is a prime example of how Democrats talk the talk but don’t walk the walk when it comes to ethics and accountability. Despite their supposed public commitment to social justice and helping improve lives. Victims allege discrimination and racism were allowed to fester under Callstrom’s leadership, leading to his recent ousting after the nonprofit’s board voted not to renew his contract.
The San Diego Workforce Partnership is a nonprofit that receives state and federal funding and administers job training and support for economic mobility in the region. However, the nonprofit’s governing board, which includes Democrats like Council Member Monica Montgomery-Steppe and Council Member Sean Elo-Rivera, failed to hold Callstrom accountable for his alleged discriminatory and harassing behavior.
In December of last year, a civil complaint was filed against Callstrom and the nonprofit by Tabatha Gaines, a Black woman, and former human resources employee, alleging race-based and sex-based discrimination. Other employees who identify as female or people of color also claimed to have experienced a “hostile working environment” under Callstrom’s leadership. Despite these serious allegations, Callstrom denied any wrongdoing.
After an anonymous letter also made allegations of discrimination and harassment at the nonprofit, the San Diego Consortium Policy Board initiated an investigation and hired the Adams Law Group to investigate the claims. However, as of last week, the investigation is still ongoing, leaving many to wonder if the Democrat party’s commitment to social justice is just empty rhetoric.
This story raises concerns about the Democrat Party’s hypocrisy and their pattern of scandals. Voters who want better for their community have seen time after time how Democrats prey on vulnerable voters who want better, believing their rhetoric. However, in reality, they only seek to benefit and continue their “fun” and “active” lifestyle while focusing on their political interests.
This news comes after a scandal over the ongoing political consulting work of Councilman Stephen Whitburn’s top aide, Jesus Cardenas, which raised concerns about the Democratic Party’s ethical conduct and accountability. Cardenas has been a polarizing figure in the politics of the Democratic Party, with accusations of creating and controlling political clubs to steer endorsements towards his friends and clients. Despite promising to close the firm following the downtown councilman’s public ultimatum, Cardenas chose his business interests and left City Hall in the wake of the scandal.
The situation surrounding Councilman Whitburn is not any better. Despite allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse against Supervisor Nathan Fletcher and Councilman Whitburn’s failure to intervene in an alleged rape at his home last year, the Democrat Party has turned a blind eye to these issues. Whitburn is now being trusted to find the truth about the allegations against Fletcher as the MTS board chair, despite his own allegations.
These cases are just the most recent in a long line of misconduct allegations against San Diego Democrats. The Democrat Party should take a stand and support victims of sexual assault and harassment instead of turning a blind eye to the misconduct allegations within their own party.
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