Congressman Jerry Lewis has had a change of heart. Well no, he has not, really. He is hearing that he may not be a shoo-in for the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee like he thought. So it seems to be time for damage control and spin. And spin it is. According to a story in yesterday’s Press Enterprise: Ratcheting up his calls for reduced spending — and his bid for a key position in . . .
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors is playing fast and loose with the rules once again. And this time around it seems they may very well be in such a hurry so to prevent newcomer Supervisor-elect Janice Rutherford, who ran on a platform of ethics reform, from providing her input into a law that will affect her ability to serve her constituents for her entire term of office and keeping her promises to voters. . . .
Last week’s revelation that Ted Dutton, father of California State Senator Robert Dutton, was one of the major donors behind Citizens Against Corruption Opposing Rutherford for Supervisor 2010 was barely noticed. It’s significance is great however. Senator Robert Dutton has not tried to hide his desire to be elected to the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors at some point in the future. Who would not with the generous salary, benefits, and pension plan? Sources . . .
“Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive.” San Bernardino County Supervisor Paul Biane forgot these wise words from Sir Walter Scott. Biane, who has been caught up in yet another scandal, has indeed created a tangled web for himself on the eve of an election where he is battling for his political life. Biane plead guilty to reckless driving in 2006 after being arrested for driving under the influence . . .
San Bernardino County Second District Supervisor Paul Biane fancies himself to be a crime fighter. Just ask him. Or better yet, check out his campaign mailers where he takes credit for exposing the current corruption scandal. He seems to forget he is named as John Doe No. 5 in the scandal he is claiming responsibility for uncovering. In other words, he exposed his own wrongdoing. And in his mind that means he should be re-elected . . .
Are you listening US Attorney? San Bernardino County is in crisis. The principles our nation were founded on are being undermined by the very person sworn to uphold the Constitution of the United States—the person charged with enforcing the Constitution and all state and local laws at the county level. When one reads the California District Attorneys Association Code of Ethics reprinted in Part One of this series, it is easy to see its President . . .
Are you listening United States Attorney? San Bernardino County is in crisis. Oh yes, we have financial problems like every other jurisdiction but we will get through them in due time. Our crisis is a much more serious threat to our citizenry. It is a crisis of ethics, of safety, and of fear. Our crisis undermines the feelings of security and well being of law-abiding citizens. It mocks those who gave their blood to protect . . .
Emasculated. Impotent. Ineffectual. Powerless. Debilitated. Cowardly. Weak. Anyone of these adjectives is an appropriate descriptor of the current five members of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors individually and as a not-so-well functioning governing board. Never was it so obvious as it was on Tuesday. More than a year and a half ago many astute observers began to realize the Board of Supervisors had a problem. Several high-ranking staffers, including County Counsel Ruth Stringer, . . .
Today’s arrest of Robert Rizzo and seven others in the city of Bell scandal made for a happy day for all citizens who are frustrated and sickened by the corruption that permeates every level of government. The arrests also highlight what can be done when citizens join forces and let their voices be heard, combined with having elected an experienced prosecutor dedicated to the pursuit of justice. The Bell scandal has more than one San . . .
Last week a reader pointed out to us the front page of San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos’ website. It was updated on August 27, 2010 with this statement: 8/27/2010 District Attorney Reform Proposals For nearly seven years the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office, through its Public Integrity Unit, has been a constant observer of city, county, school and district governmental operations through the review, evaluation and investigation of over 500 complaints. For . . .
