Couldn't Say It Better - Weiss Is "Unfit"

Monday, May 18, 2009





The LA Times says it so well.

Take a look for yourself by clicking on the images above.

Read'em and weep Jackass Weiss, you are about to be flushed down one of the toilets that the Mayor's buddies just cleaned.

Hit the road Jack!

Where To Vote

If you, like me, have not received your Voter Information pamphlet, don't worry.


Thanks to the League of Women Voters Education Fund, you can find out where you will be voting by CLICKING HERE.

Rally to Demand Investigation Into Jack Weiss Illegal Fundraising

When: 2:00PM May 13, 2009
Where: City Hall - South Lawn steps


There is now so much public outrage at Jack Weiss's flagrant and brazen flouting of our campaign finance laws that on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at 2:00PM Councilman Dennis Zine will hold a Rally on the steps of City Hall, on the South Lawn.

Councilman Zine will lead the call for action for an investigation into Jack Weiss's illegal fundraising, and he will be joined by KRLA 870AM's talk-show host Kevin James in the call to action to put an end to the cynical disregard for law demonstrated by Jack Weiss.

I will also be joining Rally to add my voice to those of Councilman Zine and Kevin James, and I will additionally demand that Chief Bratton now withdraw his endorsement of Jack Weiss, pending the outcome of the investigation.

This is not a fundraiser, this is an opportunity for you to voice your support for an important call to end the corruption in City Hall.



'X' marks the spot where we will meet on Wednesday. I have marked the nearest public parking with a 'P' if you decide to travel by car.

Please join the growing tide of public outrage at Jack Weiss and demand an investigation.

Weiss Weakened by Worries Over Record - The Second Debate

April 15, 2009

A large crowd of Valley residents crammed the hall at Notre Dame High School on Wednesday Night. It was standing room only as voters watched Carmen Trutanich and Jack Weiss take part in the second public debate of the general election campaign, hosted by the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association.

A fuller report will follow, but using the old adage "a picture paints a thousand words," the evening debate started off as it continued throughout the evening with Jack Weiss avoiding questions about his woeful record, and instead attacked Carmen Trutanich for being a defense attorney.

But while Weiss thought he could win the audience with his attacks, he clearly hadn't anticipated Trtanich's fusillade of questions about his poor record of attendance, representation, illegal campaign contributions, over development, and billboard blight.
Weiss was forced to listen to Trutanich making point after point showing Weiss to be a failed politician, and as those points resonated with the audience, Jack's demeanor changed dramatically.
Weiss remained tight-lipped as Trutanich described Weiss's refusal to return illegal campaign contributions was an 'ongoing crime.' Stunningly, Weiss offered no answer for the audience to that accusation.
But while Jack thought he was scoring points by repeatedly asking Carmen Trutanich to name his clients (a question that Trutanich cannot answer under State Bar Rules of Ethics), the audience tired of Jack's strategy and after Jack asked the same question for the fourth time, the audience shut him down with jeers and shouts to 'move on.

As Weiss's attack strategy failed to deflect attention from his record, I'll leave it to you to describe the look on Jack's face...
Weiss appeared relieved when the debate was over, and rushed out of the room.
Trutanich was happy to stay and talk to to LA Times reporter Maeve Reston,

as well audience members who seemingly could not get enough of the man they clearly see as being the next City Attorney.

Election Results - A Champion Comes Forward

It's a long story, but the bottom line is that I scored a major victory last night; Jack Weiss failed to cruise to outright victory and now must face Carmen "Nuch" Trutanich in the May '09 election.

Realistically, the best I could hope for was that my candidacy would do more to make voters aware of the danger Jack Weiss presents to democracy than it would do for me.

This election was never "all about me," it was about my life's mission; public service, and I feel I have done the people of Los Angeles a service in making them aware of the need to demand leadership, experience and integrity from City Hall. 31,556 voters agreed with me. Not enough for an outright win, not enough for a run-off, but a very respectable 4th place and more than enough to make Jack Weiss rue the day I threw my hat into the ring.

In the couple of months I've had on the campaign trail, I've gotten to know my fellow candidates really well. No other candidate impressed me as much as Nuch. Frankly, my worst nightmare would have been a run-off with him, as there's nothing about him that I don't like! He is a man of honor, principal and achievement. In the past he did the same job as I currently do; he was an accomplished Deputy District Attorney who founded our Environmental Crimes Division before embarking on a successful and honorable career in private practice.

So it's no surprise that I'm throwing my support behind Nuch and hope you will do the same.



Keep checking back and I'll be posting news here on how we can help to make Los Angeles a better place by electing a true champion of our values.

The Final Forum

The night before Election Day, KABC hosted a "Pitch Forks & Torches" Tour at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel at LAX.

The room was packed to capacity with motivated voters who gave me an uproarious reception!


My thanks go to KABC's Doug McIntyre and John Phillips for providing all the candidates with a final opportunity to "Pitch" their campaigns to the electorate. It was an important public service and a tremendous boost to all the candidates.

Thanks also to Nigel Skeet from The California Leader for following my campaign and providing me with splendid pictures that really tell the whole story.

Berger Leads NBC Poll

NBC's News RAW is holding a "Quick Poll" for the City Attorney race.

As of Thursday, I was in second place:


Today, Friday, I'm leading the polls:



If you haven't already taken part in the poll, please use this link to go to the New RAW website. When you see the "Quick Poll" box about halfway down the page, click on my name and you've voted!



I don't know how long the poll will stay open, so be quick!

Here's the link to the poll:

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/City_Elections.html

David Berger on NBC News RAW

NBC News RAW let me talk about my campaign for Los Angeles City Attorney

Campaigning Appeals to Kids

Nina and Emily had a great idea to help my campaign. Watch the video:

Thankfully my good friend Ardy had a video enabled cellphone handy to capture the moment!

Hit The Road Jack!

It's been a busy week on the campaign trail, more details to follow, but the highlight of the week was Friday's interview by Doug McIntyre on KABC 790AM.

'See' the interview here:



Please share this with everyone you know!

Tune In To AirTalk on KPCC 89.3FM on Tuesday Feb 10

All City Attorney Candidates have been invited to Tuesday's live on-air Candidates Forum on AirTalk which 'airs' on daily NPR's KPCC from 10:00am to 12:00noon If you cannot tune in live, you can listen to a podcast later in the day from their website. Will Jack Weiss show up? Will he answer hard questions? Tune in and find out!

TWTWTW - That Was The Week That Was!

It's been a busy week with Neighborhood Councils throughout the City of Los Angeles hosting Forums and Meet the Candidates events.

I have been blown away by the warm and friendly reception at every event, without exception or reservation. Here are some of my observations and comments. First and foremost, however, I must extend a sincere "Thank You" to all the residents who gave up two or three hours of their time to find out about their choices in the March election. Second, to the officers of the Neighborhood Councils who hosted the events, I truly appreciate your efforts in hosting these important opportunities for voters to be better informed, and for making all of the candidates feel welcome.

Monday, February 2, 2009
North Hills West Neighborhood Council City Attorney Forum
All candidates gave the audience some spirited answers to tricky questions. When I say "all candidates" I have to exclude Jack Weiss, as he could not be bothered to attend. He's either too important for 'ordinary voters,' or he's scared of being confronted by me over his dismal record as Councilmember for CD5, and his unethical conduct in failing to repay tax-payers for the matching funds he received by using illegal money-laundered campaign contributions. The Forum was expertly conducted by David Hyman, the North Hills West Neighborhood Council Outreach Chair, who graciously allowed all candidates to be heard, and all questions to be answered.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Harbor Gateway Neighborhood Council Candidates Forum
Again, Jack Weiss was a no-show. The cowardice and spinelessness of the man who claims to be some sort of super crime-fighter is palpable, and so I used a photo of the tight-lipped disgraced soon-to-be former councilmember to the delight of the audience. Gang crime, graffiti and overcrowded rental housing seemed to top the list of concerns in this neighborhood, all of which are matters I would be delighted to tackle as City Attorney.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Chatsworth Neighborhood Council - City Attorney Forum
Guess what? Jack Weiss was a no-show again! Jack's speechless photo again entertained the audience as I questioned the self-professed super crime-fighter's arrogance, distain and utter contempt for homeowners. On a personal note, I truly appreciated the delicious food and coffee provided by Vicky as I didn't have time to eat as I battled the rush hour traffic to get to Chatsworth on time. I also appreciated some pointed questioning from Dan, who should seriously consider a career in politics - I'd vote for him in a heartbeat! I also appreciated the way that Judy Daniels conducted the meeting and moved things along with her inimitable style and sharp wit.

Even though the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council officers were kind enough to let the candidates speak before they conducted their important regular business, all candidates stayed to learn a little about the issues that concern this friendly equestrian community.

Thursday, February 5, 2009
South Robertson & Palms Neighborhood Council
This was a forum for Councilmember candidates seeking to win the seat Jack Weiss is leaving in disgrace. The meeting room at Hamilton High School was packed with standing room only. Of course it now goes without saying that Jack Weiss was not in attendance. While the audience struggled to decide which councilmember candidate they dare to trust to be their voice against over-development and billboard blight, every member of the audience that I spoke to were decided on one thing - they do not want Jack Weiss to be City Attorney. Music to my ears, as almost all the people I spoke to were interested and intrigued by my candidacy.

Had Enough of Weiss? See What A Real City Attorney Should Be

If you've just finished watching KNBC's Emmy-winning investigative report on Jack Weiss, and feel as disgusted as I do, then take a look at what I can do for Los Angeles. This is my interview on "The Legal File."

Sunday's Yard Signs

Yard signs are going faster than I can get them!

Perhaps it's got something to do with the campaign logo - some think it reminds them of a recent campaign....

I've asked people to send me digital photos of the "planted" signs, and here are a few of the ones I've received;











If you would like a campaign Yard Sign, please go to my website and send me an email. I'll find a way to get one to you.

Yard Signs Roll Out!

Coming soon to a neigborhood near you:



The striking Nigel Skeet inspired Yard Sign is an eye catcher.






Go to my website, click "Contact" and send me an email and I'll figure out how to get a yard sign to you.

Jack "No-Show" Weiss Ducks Questions

The Coalition of Homeowners Associations for Council District 5 held a Forum for Candidates for City Attorney. Now, you would think that Candidate Jack Weiss would be there. After all, he's been the elected Councilmember for Council District 5 for 8 years. Surely he would want to meet with the people he represents?

Take a look at this video from the Forum



It was no surprise to me that Jack Weiss didn't want to face the people that know him better than anyone else; his constituents - the people of Council District 5 whose interests and concerns he has consistently ignored in favor of developers and their associated special interests.

If Weiss won't face the people he represents as councilmember, how different will he be as City Attorney? My guess, and that of everyone else in CD5, is that he will be no different. He will ignore "ordinary" people in favor of Big Money. That's Jack.

"Pay to Play" & The Press

Both of Los Angeles' leading print newspapers the LA Times and The Daily News published stories on the upcoming municipal election. Both seem completely intoxicated with fundraising. Only those candidates who had raised the most money got a mention, leaving their readers completely uninformed as to the very existence of other candidates.

Is this really the state of news reporting in Los Angeles? Haven't we seen enough of the evils of the "Mega Bucks" attitude that has led to our current economic woes? It's a very worrying message isn't it? Raise the most money and the press will roll over and love you for it without even questioning the source of the money.

Jack Weiss is the hero of the Los Angeles press, it seems, with a special interest warchest of $1.2M. The LA Times article at least mentioned that his campaign manager is non other than disgraced Mayor Villaraigosa, and at least mentioned two other candidates who have raised significant campaign funds. The Daily News article was strange. The Daily News has historically been less behooved to Mayor Villaraigosa and the special interests that fuel his campaign. Yet the Daily News failed to mention the names of any other City Attorney candidate whatsoever.

Worse still is that neither the Times nor the News conducted any analysis whatsoever as to of the source of Weiss's warchest. So here it is:

Yes. The ugly truth is that over $1M of Jack Weiss' money comes from developers, developers' lawyers, and their associated special interests. These figures are based on the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission's figures.

We all know that print media is facing extremely hard times, with newspapers losing money faster than a Bernie Madoff investor.

Could it be that editors overrode their reporters copy? After all, with Mayor Villaraigosa and Jack Weiss poised to spend their combined warchest of almost $4M on advertising, perhaps the Times and the Daily News editors want to make sure they don't upset their political "bailout packages" by printing anything negative about the Mayor and Weiss?

Just a thought.

New Look for Campaign!

CaliforniaLeader.com's Nigel Skeet told me that I better do something with my campaign cards and website to send a clear message. Here's his suggestion. I like it.

Qualified!

Hot off the press...



I turned in my signed petitions at lunchtime today, and just checked the City Clerk's website, I've qualified to have my name on the March 3, 2009 Ballot.

Thank you all those who circulated and signed my petition and have made this possible.

More to follow...

Signatures Are In

YES!!!

Thank you, all those who patiently signed my petition, and thank you to my friends and family members who helped me with the laborious task of trying to get people to believe in the democratic process.

I will be taking the 765 signatures to the City Clerk's Office later today, and hopefully, if they're not too busy, I'll be a confirmed candidate for the March 3, 2009 election.