Mayor reacts to Estrada on subpoena issue
This reporter had a brief conversation with Mayor Pat Morris regarding 1st Ward Councilwoman Esther Estrada's interest in learning if the City Council has authority to subpoena city staffers to speak on Operation Phoenix-related matters.
"It is the job of the City Manager and Mayor to keep the council appraised on city administrative matters and answer their questions," Morris said.
When asked if Estrada had ever privately expressed any dissatisfaction with the flow of information from City Hall, Morris declined further comment other than to say "We're working on that with Councilmember Estrada."
Estrada could not be reached for comment Tuesday. She asked City Attorney's officials during Monday's council meeting whether she and other council members have the power to compel city employees to testify.
The answer was yes. During a short recess Monday, Estrada and 7th Ward Councilwoman Wendy McCammack - a frequent critic of the Morris administration - both talked with reporters and expressed frunstration with their ability to glean information from city officials.
How this power may be used remains to be seen. City Attorney James F. Penman said the council has to vote to exercise its subpoena powers, if that authority is exercised, the council could question city employees in either public or closed door meetings.
In the case of a personnel investigation, Penman said the employee being investigated has the right to demand that proceedings are held in public.
Penman said the council has not used its subpoena power on witnesses since the late 1980s. He said the situation then was a personnel matter involving the Police Department, and that witnesses were not only city employees.
A Superior Court judge, the Assistant District Attorney, one or two deputy district attorneys and city employees testified, Penman said. He said the process resulted in a 7-0 vote of no confidence in whoever was police chief at the time (Penman could not recall the chief's name) but no further action.
Comments
Go for it ! You guys think you have the nut's and bolt's to work with . Thats not what is at the table . If you want the truth talk to US !!!
Posted by: me | August 5, 2008 5:45 PM
I have a newfound respect for Councilwoman Estrada. You go girl!
Posted by: An eye on the big shiny building downtown | August 5, 2008 9:11 PM
I hope Estrada gets the rest of city council to sunpoena Baude so we can hear the truth about what and when the Mayor new (and failed to report).
Posted by: Shelby Harrison | August 5, 2008 9:23 PM
Me what do you mean.
Posted by: davidj@hotmail.com | August 5, 2008 9:48 PM
I wish she would do more. Its time for her to fix the "used car lot" on Mt Vernon between 2nd and 16th. Time for her to get an ordinance passed....Hell maybe it's time for the WARD system to go away and make every council member accountable for the City of San Bernardino...Maybe we could get it cleaned up and stop this stupid pickering and get a budget passed...Pretty soon they will have to work city hall if they keep funding stupid projects in favor of keeping more employees..."This is refuse, Esther speaking."...."Planning, this is Wendy"...."This is Dennis, can I hae your parking ticket number."... "Animal Control. this is Mr Van Johnson....You lost a pet.. What did it look like?"...."Directions to city hall, I am not sure, I am Chas, a councilmember.".......Got to admit its funny but way to possible....
Posted by: el boracho | August 6, 2008 7:11 AM
Like funding two code enforcement directors when we had a perfectly good one. Paying Wayne Harp a Police guy $64 an hour to do code is rediculous, you could get 3 guys to fill potholes for that. Why don't we have former police take over every position then this would really be a police state (city).
Posted by: davidj@hotmail.com | August 6, 2008 5:07 PM
When asked if Estrada had ever privately expressed any dissatisfaction with the flow of information from City Hall, Morris declined further comment other than to say "We're working on that with Councilmember Estrada."
He was then heard whispering to his son, Jim Morris "Call Tom Cruise and the Scientologists - we need that brain washing technique".
Posted by: Anonymous | August 7, 2008 2:06 AM
Of COURSE Estrada said she was dissatisfied with the flow of information... to city council. It was on Monday. I got it on video. I think the subpoenas are for more than what is let on. Why would anyone stand in front of the guilty (the guilty being the judge) and say, "Yes, your honor, I saw you do it and you're guilty...Now, go punnish yourself." SUUUURE, they want to know the flaws of Operation Phoenix.
Posted by: Serenah's Angels | August 8, 2008 12:01 PM
The City Council, especially Wendy McCammack, have been asking for details of Operation Phoenix since its inception. I know because I watch the Council Meetings faithfully, and have been doing so for years.
Posted by: Cal | August 8, 2008 3:01 PM