S.D. Mayor in hotseat as Frye appeal goes forward

[Liberty Belle]

Whether or not Donna Frye supporters succeed in having the San Diego mayoral race overturned on appeal, public protests over the County's refusal to "count every vote" for Democrat Frye's write-in candidacy are having some interesting effects.

What we've done here is highlight the importance of keeping public officials who steal elections under close scrutiny--in other words, in the hot seat. Today's San Diego Union-Tribune has a front story headlined "Ruling a relief for Murphy, even with tough road ahead." Unfortunately the on-line version has been sanitized by taking out all the good parts, so I'll post a few highlights:

In interviews, Murphy said he "got the message" of last year's election, which he said is that voters want open government--soemthing his first term was not noted for...

"My job now," Murphy said, "is to convince the two-thirds that didn't vote for me that they made amistake and I really was the best person for mayor."

Uh, Dick, that might be a tough sell. Even our arch-conservative newspaper notes a laundry list of scandals, any one of which would be considered a huge obstacle to Murphy's second term. These include:

-- a $1.4 billion deficit in the City Employees' Retirement System (fueling speculation that the City may go bankrupt),

-- inability to raise money through bond sales becuase of a suspended credit rating,

-- investigations into City finances by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the FBI, and the US Attorney General's Office for securities fraud and possible public corruption (Amazingly, the feds are actually investigating a Republican!)

-- A federal corruption trial starting in May for two Council members accused of pocketing bribes to ease rules governing strip clubs (Dems involved in that one, unfortunately)

ASked about the federal probes that involve crimincal investigations by the FBI and US Attorney's Office, Pretender Murphy denied any wrongdoing but acknowledged, "Those are challenges I'd rather not have."

The article notes that in addition to the prospect that his reign as mayor may yet be overturned on appeal, Murphy may face a RECALL ELECTION. I have spoken to Frye supporters who say a recall could be launched as early as six months after the Mayor's inauguration (January), so mark your calendars.

Meanwhile, the people of San Diego are well aware of the real score. Some members of the public have taken to addressing Frye (who retains her seat on the City Council) as "Mayor Frye" during Council hearings, while addressing Murphy as "Councilman Murphy."

Most telling, however, was an incident during the Martin Luther King Day parade. When the announcer introduced Murphy and asked the crowd to give a big round of applause for the recently reelected Mayor, stone-cold silence ensued.

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. IOk we are having an effect

I am feeling misserable, cold and all but this brings a smile to my face

[Liberty Belle]

2. A fundraising letter will be going out very soon for the appeal.

I know, because I was asked to proofread it tonight. ;-)

[Maat]

3. How do we get on the e-mail list?

I would like to donate.