Investigate Jack Weiss!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Los Angeles City Hall

We gathered on the steps of City Hall today to demand an immediate investigation into Jack Weiss's illegal fundraising activities.


It was my honor to introduce Councilman Dennis Zine and KRLA 870AM Talk-Show host Kevin James to the media.


Councilman Zine spoke passionately about his 8 years of experience with the arrogant, corrupt and (perhaps thankfully) largely absent Jack Weiss.

Councilman Zine had a dire warning for Los Angelenos, electing Jack Weiss would be disastrous.

There's no question that Jack Weiss's record of law breaking raises more than a question mark over Jack Weiss's moral and ethical suitability for the Office of City Attorney.


Councilman Zine is a hard act to follow, but KRLA 870AM's Talk-Show Host, Kevin James was up to the task. James is a former prosecutor and he knows a crime when he sees it.

James demanded an immediate investigation into the crimes in Beverly Hills when Jack Weiss attended a fundraiser co-hosted by shamed ex-City Commissioner Kelly Candaele. Fundraising by a City appointed individual is a violation of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, and Weiss knows that as he voted for that law.


James questioned why, when the evidence against Jack Weiss is so compelling and basically unchallenged by Jack Weiss, there is still no prospect of an investigation before the May 19 election. It's not like there's that much to investigate - the law is clear, and the facts are uncontested. James called for the assistance of the media in demanding a swift investigation.

Kevin looked straight into the eyes of Jack Weiss spokesperson Ace Smith (bue shirt, hands in pockets) as he piled accusation after accusation of documented misconduct on Jack Weiss. Smith had no answer or statement for us, doubtless waiting for an opportunity to spin the story to the media after the event.


I wrapped up the Rally with my thanks to Councilman Zine and Kevin James, as well as all the supporters who took time from their busy schedules to show their support for restoring truth and integrity to City Hall.


I urged the media to inform the public of the need for an investigation into Jack Weiss's involvement in violations of our election laws, and called on them to deliver my demand to Chief Bratton that he immediately withdraw his endorsement of Jack Weiss. "It is wholly unacceptable that the Chief of Police of the nation's second largest city is endorsing Jack Weiss - a suspect in election law misconduct."

We'll all be scanning the newspapers in the next few days to see if our message is delivered.

Weiss Fundraiser Violates Ethics Laws - What a surprise

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

A shocking revelation in the LA Times shows that on Monday, while the Trutanich campaign held a fundraiser at the Sheraton Hotel in Universal City, the Beverly Hills elite were toasting Jack Weiss at an illegal fundraiser.

The illegal fundraiser was co-hosted by one of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's pension board appointees; Kelly Candaele, pictured below.


City Ethics Commission laws prohibit city employees from political activity of this sort. Mr. Candaele resigned as soon as the cat got out of the bag, but apparently the Ethics Commission will investigate and take whatever action is appropriate.

Weiss, a self-proclaimed legal expert on everything, will doubtless claim "no knowledge" of either Mr. Candele or that he was a City employee - Weiss's denials are very predicable. Weiss, of course, is no stranger to Ethics Violations, many of which were the subject of a KNBC investigative report "Laundered Elections."

The $20,000 or so raised at the illegal fundraiser will be returned according to Weiss's campaign spokeshole Ace Smith, who issued a written statement "Jack Weiss believes that his campaign must be held to the highest standards." The statement was written, one assumes, because Smith could not keep a straight face during a face to face interview.

Weiss has many wealthy friends and supporters. He is a member of the "westside elite," born into luxury and living in a $3M Bel Air mansion with his trust fund heiress wife and two (presumably) privately educated children. Weiss lives far above most Los Angelenos, literally and metaphorically. Small wonder then, that Weiss has not a clue about the concerns of the vast majority of Los Angelenos, and it's no surprise that he's not above dirty back-room dealings to "get things done."

Los Angeles voters simply cannot afford to allow the perpetrator of such a disgracefully flagrant violation of campaign finance laws to serve as the chief law enforcement officer of Los Angeles.

This time Weiss was been caught before the election and in time to prevent illegal campaign contributions from bloating his hate-filled negative campaign. Previously, Weiss's wrongdoing took years to come to light, by which time the damage was irreparable.

Los Angelenos truly owe a vote of thanks to Carmen Trutanich for focusing attention of Jack Weiss's prior misconduct, and a second and third vote of thanks to LA Times reporters David Zahniser and Phil Willon for breaking this story.

Kelly Candaele's website can be viewed by clicking HERE. Mr. Candaele describes himself as Kelly Candaele "a writer, filmmaker, teacher and elected official in Los Angeles." No doubt the reference to the "elected official" will be removed in due course.

But M. Candaele was not the only person hosting the illegal fundraiser with close ties to City Hall. The LA Times also reported that "Two other hosts of Weiss' fundraiser hold positions with Wetherly Capital, a company that has promoted investing opportunities to two city pension boards, including the one on which Candaele served. Wetherly, known in industry circles as a "placement agent," has become a subject of interest in recent weeks for investigators looking into allegations of kickbacks at the New York state pension fund."

Weiss has long been suspected of overly close relationships with billboard operators, contractors and developers who benefit from their "friendly" relationship with the embattled wealthy westside elitist councilmember for Council District 5.

Weiss will attend another fundraiser April 30, hosted by developer Rick Caruso who currently has a high-density development before the City Planning Committee. Weiss has not recused himself from voting on that development, and can apparently see no conflict of interest.

The Weiss campaign has been becoming increasingly desperate as the election nears and Weiss faces the prospect of a forced departure from politics, perhaps to "spend more time with his family?"

Ethics like those of Jack Weiss are truly the substance of used toilet water. Please vote for an end to this affront to decency and honesty.

Click HERE to read the full report in LA TImes.