New Questions for Antonio & Mirthala

OK, this may mean nothing, but in the sewer that is L.A. city politics, ethical conduct can never be taken for granted. That's why Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Mirthala Salinas should release all information relevant to the purchase of Salinas' Studio City condo. The reason? ERSNews reports:

ERSNews has learned that the Studio City condo owned by Mirthala Salinas and her sister Isabel Salinas was sold to her by a political supporter of the mayor and campaign contributor. In addition, the seller, Robert Steve Bullock, is the Chief Financial Officer of Cerrell Associates one of the largest lobbying and public relations firms in Los Angeles. The company has a long track record of doing business with the city of Los Angeles.

The firm has over 22 registered lobbyists according to the city ethics commission and has provided extensive consulting and PR services to city agencies and political consulting to many of LA's leading politicians according to records obtained by ERSNews.

The condo was purchased by Salinas on March 16, 2006.

It's important to know whether this story is true, and if so, whether Salinas paid market rate for the condo. Or was she given a break by a lobbyist trying to do the mayor (or the prominent journalist) a favor?

Again, this may all be innocuous, or even bogus, but the question needs to be addressed.

H/T Luke Ford