To the Editor,
Encinitas deserves leaders who embody accountability, responsibility, and integrity. Councilmember Luke Shaffer’s service as a combat veteran is honorable, and no one can take that away. But holding public office requires more than past service — it requires the trust of the community today.
Recently, I watched former County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher, a Marine veteran, speak about his own struggles with PTSD and alcoholism. Even before false allegations against him were dismissed, he admitted his personal behavior had consequences. He chose to step away from the office, seek treatment, and prioritize family, accountability and healing.
That decision was difficult, but it was honorable.
Councilmember Schaffer, your situation carries parallels. You are now facing a felony assault charge and two misdemeanors. While the legal process will unfold in court, the issue before our community is larger: whether our leadership can be trusted to uphold the standards of this city.
This is not about condemnation. Compassion and accountability can exist together. Sometimes the most compassionate act is stepping down before a deeper rock bottom is reached. Sometimes the most compassionate act is being honest enough to call out, and in, our elected officials, friends, and families when their actions become a sign of deeper issues.
While many of us in Encinitas may not agree with your words, actions, or policies, we would respect you more if you took the honorable step of resigning now, choosing healing and treatment over clinging to power. For the sake of your family as well as our city, please step down and focus on your healing now, before your rock bottom becomes deeper and more detrimental.
Encinitas is a city that values compassion, but it also values responsibility. For the good of our city and for your own well-being, Councilmember Schaffer, it is time to step down.
Sincerely,
Mali Woods-Drake
Encinitas, District 1 Resident
2 comments
Thank you, Mali for sharing how many of us feel. It is so refreshing to see a real person using a real identity express a real truth rather than the typical on-line, anonymous “Blakespear this Gonzalez that” idiocy.
Coming from a Blakespear remora who has lost her influence in Encinitas government after voters finally realized that everything going wrong with this City was created by Blakespear, Kranz, Hinze and their entire crew.
This incident happened over. a month ago and we’re just starting to hear about it. Another Blakespear crony Marco Gonzalez is handling the case pro bono for the wealthy homeowner.
The homeowner also instigated the incident and kept placing his pails blocking a spot on a public street which is illegal.
This could have and should have been avoided, but a felony? Come on.