Editorial

Citizen About Town

By Nancy C. Arcuri, Editor and Publisher

Email: nancyarcuri@thecitizensvoice.net

Fax: 626-307-9081

The lack of ethics in both the business and political worlds has caused financial hardship and emotional devastation to a vast majority of people.

The mortgage meltdown, higher taxes, investment thefts and a theft of an election in Iran have brought people of various political and ethnic backgrounds together. They are determined to force business leaders and politicians to listen to them and their concerns.

People are very angry that they have been duped by a number of businesses and politicians who only care about their own financial gains and political power.

People are demonstrating and dying in the streets of Iran to change the course of human events in their country.

In 1776 men and woman who wanted to change the course of human events founded our United States of America. They challenged the King of England to create a free country in the new world. It was a long and bloody battle fought by people who wanted to enjoy freedom in our new land.

Now in 2009 we are enjoying personal freedoms that many people around the world can only dream about. Freedom is never free. We must continue to fight the enemies of freedom. We must stay alert to be sure the people who want to take our freedoms away are not allowed to get the upper hand.

People who want to steal our freedom may do it by taxation or by creating laws. These people are government officials.

Even in a free society we must be careful that our elected officials are supporting our freedoms.

Freedom of speech and freedom of the press are two of our greats rights. It gives us the right to criticize our elected officials without fear of retaliation.

However in Monterey Park, California we have a few Councilmembers who would like to take these right away from us.

They are on record (Council auto transcripts and Channel 55 video tapes and DVDs) at Council Meetings threatening residents who criticize them for their actions as sitting Councilmembers.

Councilmembers Benjamin “Frank” Venti and Betty Tom Chu have been advised by my attorneys in a letter dated July 13, 2005 that for them to use Council Meetings to discuss my editorial opinions is a violation of the use of public funds and public facilities to redress any personal grievances. To do so, would be a violation of the duties of public officials not to waste public assets. It is also a clear conflict of interest and an improper use of public funds to accomplish personal gains.

Apparently Mayor Mitch Ing, Betty Tom Chu and Frank Venti don’t get the message. Their conduct during the Council Meetings puts themselves and the city in danger.

They have used the City Council Meetings to slander, harass, threaten and intimidate several residents, fellow Councilmembers and city employees.

They have set themselves and our city up for legal problems that could cost the taxpayers thousand of dollars in legal fees and damages.

Our City Council needs additional ethics training that include the Brown Act, Robert’s Rule of Order and good legal advise on the use of public funds and public facilities.

Currently these three Councilmembers are abusing our trust by using our City Council Meetings to threaten and intimidate the residents and myself who have disagreements on their actions.

Councilwatchers are wondering why these elected officials are not taking care of city’s business.

The taxpayers are asking why are they risking lawsuits?

The voters are very concerned that Mr. Ing, Mrs. Chu and Mr. Venti are trying to take our personal freedoms.

It is time for the residents of Monterey Park to come together to protect our freedom of speech and freedom of the press.

Elected officials are afraid of large crowds who disagree with them. The have been known to change their votes when confronted with voters who can turn them out of office.

Remember this great nation belongs to “We the People”. Speak up for our freedoms before it is too late.

Honor all the men and women who have fought and died to protect our freedoms.

Attend your Council Meetings and voice your concerns. Write, e-mail or call your county, state and federal elected officials with your concerns.

As we celebrate our great nation’s 233rd birthday this month we have an overwhelming responsibility to protect our freedoms so future generations can live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.