A Redlands City Councilman has apologized for a campaign mailer that critics say used racist tactics to target one of his three opponents for city council.
The mailer, which was sent out by Paul Barich’s campaign last weekend, takes aim at candidate Joe Richardson for a lawsuit he unsuccessfully filed against the city. But instead of using the name he prefers to go by, the mailer used his legal name Tariq. It references “Tariq ‘Joe’ Richardson” four times and then highlights and circles both his legal name and the word “Democrat.”
The council seat is supposed to be a nonpartisan position, so the inclusion of Richardson’s political party has also garnered criticism.
Councilman Barich says he had no intention of stoking racial animus with the mailers, but apologized for them anyway.
“I realize I have offended many and sincerely apologize to my constituents, community and fellow citizens of Redlands,” he said in a post on social media.
“I feel bad,” Barich added in a conversation with Redlands Daily Facts. “The last thing I’d want to do is hurt him on a personal basis. It’s strictly a political thing.”
Barich is facing a challenge Tuesday from Richardson, Mike Saifie and Enrique Estrada in District 3.