Some LA Electeds Sell Their Soul to the Devil

These words followed Nixon after his resignation from office and hold true today with continuing alleged corruption and ethics violation by various Elected Los Angeles City Officials. 

The 15 Los Angeles City Councilmembers, Mayor, City Attorney and Controller are the elected officials who are leading L. A. and set the standards for residents, business owners and the people who live, invest, work and visit Los Angeles.  

The people place their Trust, Safety, and quality of life for themselves and their families in the hands of those “Honorable” ones elected to serve all the people within the city boundaries.  From the shores of the Pacific Ocean to the mountains of the Santa Monica and all points between the elected “Honorable” ones determine the quality of life for nearly 4 million residents, business owners and hundreds of daily visitors to the land of opportunity. 

While some stray from their sworn oaths others remain vigilant and honorable living up to the commitment they made as written in the official books of the City of Los Aneles.  

It is truly a sad situation when greed and other factors emerge, and some elected officials stray from their “Honorable” status and fall for the opportunity to compromise their ethics and values resulting in a fall from grace.  A fall that impacts colleagues, families and those good and decent people who put their trust, hopes and expectations for a good and happy life with those in charge. 

It is frequently called selling your soul to the devil.  According to recent FBI arrests and continuing on-going Federal investigations, Former Councilmember Mitchell Englander was recently released from Federal Prison.  Former Councilmember Jose Huizar is awaiting trial in Federal court for corruption and Long-Term Councilmember and former State Assemblyman, State Senator, L.A. County Supervisor and current LA. City Councilmember Mark R.  Thomas is awaiting trial in Federal Court for corruption involving USC.  The court information is as follows:   

U.S. District Court, Central District of California.  Criminal Duty Calendar.  Defendant Mark Ridley-Thomas.  Western Division.  Case number 2:21-CR-00485-PA-1.    

In addition to the Federal Investigations involving L.A. Councilmembers, City Attorney Michael Feuer’s office was visited by members of the FBI and his office is under investigation for activities involving the DWP. 

In addition to the FBI investigations at City Hall, there are and have been recent Recall Movements against three of the 15 Councilmembers.  Mike Bonin, Nithya Raman, Kevin de León.  

Clearly Los Aneles voters, residents and business owners must be concerned with the current FBI investigations and Recall Efforts taking place at City Hall.  Honest and Strong leadership needs to emerge from the ashes of the current conduct and alleged illegal activity generating from elected city officials.     

The latest LAPD Crime Stats as of 10/9/2021

The LAPD number of Sworn Police Offices from the Chief to the recruit is at 9433.  The Sworn Police Officers strength was at 9473 on 9/25/21.  That is a reduction of 40 sworn officers.  This is one of the factors with Defunding of police officers. 

Crime Categories. 

1. Murder is + 49% comparing 2019 to 2021.
2. Motor Vehicle Theft is +49.2% comparing 2019 to 2021.
3. Shots Fired is +51% comparing 2019 to 2021.
4. Shooting Victims are + 47.8% comparing 2019 to 2021. 

I recently came across the written comments of an LAPD Field Officer that I want to share with you. 

LAPD is an Honorable and Noble Profession that is been run into the ground.  Violent movement, complicit media, and lack of leadership from the Department and City of L.A.  Bow to the Mob, watched principals become lost and police work becomes political theater.  Younger generation of officers are beaten down and bombarded with frivolous complaints for simply doing their job.  Our leaders have gotten away from recognizing that police work is inherently violent, dangerous, and often does not look pretty.  Those with limited field experience judge and second guess decisions made by those constantly in harm’s way. 

A wise leader once told me that you must stand and fight for what is right even if it means you lose everything.     

(Dennis P. Zine is a former and retired LAPD Supervisor, former and retired 12-year Los Angeles City Councilman and current General Manager at Bell Canyon in Ventura County.)