Letter: Council Censure

Editor, The Friday Flyer:

This is a response to Joe Kamashian’s letter in last week’s The Friday Flyer.

I’m saddened to read Joe’s letter to The Friday Flyer last week, once again speaking out to criticize the Council. He states: “We must demand to know why no censure has occurred, why no misdemeanor charges have been filed, why the Council member is allowed to continue sitting on important committees, and why no Brown Act violation complaints have been made by the City”.

That deserves a response because it is not accurate.

First, the Council member’s conduct was reviewed at a number of meetings, in open session, and was not condoned by the Council. I for one, stated I found it reprehensible that he had done what he did.

He was severely censured and restricted from meeting in any confidential meetings pertaining to the fire issue, as explained at the last meeting. If such issues arise in the future, they will be addressed.

The Council does not have authority to file a misdemeanor complaint or one for violation of the Brown Act; such charges are presented to the District Attorney generally by individual citizens.

Action was taken and, should any future problems arise, there will be serious repercussions. In the meantime, we have serious issues to address.

Dawn Haggerty

City Councilwoman