County Democratic Party Chairman Eric C. Bauman last week remained silent regarding the L.A. Dept. of Water and Power union, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 18, forming a Super Pac in support of City Controller Wendy Greuel om the mayoralty race.
This monetary support is a return favor for her repeated efforts to raise DWP salaries and benefits, and increases utility rates for Angelenos.
It is widely known the DWP has been influencing City Hall for years, thereby posing a serious conflict of interest as the main benefactors of Ms. Greuel’s votes/actions.
Chairman Bauman was quick to fire off a press release criticizing a committee of citizens supporting Kevin James for Mayor, but is unwilling to hold his own party accountable.
“I’m proud to have support from citizens regardless of their political party,” said Mr. James, the only Republican in the field going into the March 5 primary.
“Angelenos are interested in seeing our city succeed. What they aren't interested in is to have a special interest group like the DWP union backing Controller Greuel, knowing their actions have bankrupted the City of Los Angeles.”
Mr. Bauman’s hyper-partisan attack on private citizens supporting Mr. James is the height of hypocrisy.
As records show, support for Mr. James has come from across the political spectrum, including Henry Crown and Co., who were major contributors to President Obama, and Harold Simmons who has supported Republicans in the past.
“The same special interest groups that bank-rolled Ms. Greuel’s campaigns for Council and Controller are backing her campaign for mayor.
Ms. Greuel has spent years voting for DWP salary and benefit increases. Now she is cashing in.
The Greuel-DWP pay-to-play scheme at City Hall has gone on for too long. We have had enough of their cozy politics.”
They have been stepping up their attacks on Mr. James because they’re nervous.
Mr. Corless, campaign manager for Mr. James, may be contacted at jeff@venturestrategic.com
