Posted on 12/17/2004 9:44:09 AM PST by NormsRevenge
If the San Jose City Council votes today to censure fellow council member Terry Gregory, Mayor Ron Gonzales is proposing to strip Gregory of most of his official duties, saying Gregory would no longer be fit to represent the city at large and no longer trustworthy with taxpayer money.
Pending a vote for censure, Gonzales said Thursday that he would direct city officials to not allow any expenditures or reimbursements for travel by Gregory. And he said that next month, he would further penalize Gregory by recommending he not be assigned to any standing council committees, not serve as a council liaison or on any board or commission, and not represent the city in any official activity or regional bodies.
``Censure is a statement by his colleagues that we believe council member Gregory does not have the integrity to participate in the development of city policies and plans,'' Gonzales said in a phone interview. ``From day one we hoped these allegations were just that, allegations. Unfortunately, these problems have come forward and we have to take swift action.''
Members will meet at 1 p.m. to consider censuring Gregory for six violations of city and state ethics and campaign contribution rules -- most notably, accepting thousands of dollars worth of free wine and dinners from East Side businessman Dennis Fong. The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office is conducting a separate criminal investigation into Gregory's actions.
If the council votes to censure Gregory, whose term expires in 2006, it will be the first time since 1994 that it has taken that action against a sitting member.
(Excerpt) Read more at mercurynews.com ...
Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!
Well, heard on the radio that he did get censured. Wonder when the others will be censured? ...not anytime soon huh? :-P
It is just one small step on a long trek. ;-)
S.J. Councilman Terry Gregory censured by colleagues
Vote was 10-0 :)
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/10443049.htm
SUBHEAD HE APOLOGIZES, BUT DOES NOT RESIGN
By Tracey Kaplan
Mercury News
The San Jose City Council on Friday voted unanimously 10-0 to censure Councilman Terry Gregory for pressuring local business leaders for free meals for himself and cash donations to his district, the first such condemnation action in a decade.
Gregory, who gave a short statement at the meeting, registered that he would abstain from the vote, then left before the vote was taken.
Unsatisfied with merely condemning Gregory, the council also voted unanimously to support a motion by Mayor Ron Gonzales to strip Gregory of many of his official duties, including representing the city on panels ranging from the city's economic development committee to the Police Athletic League Board. Under the action, the city also will no longer reimburse Gregory for any new travel expenses.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.