Dear Editor,
I am troubled by the feeble allegation of political bribery
purported in the Free Lance article,
”
Witness alleges bribe offer.
”
While I am no fan of the previous supervisorial administration
in which Bob Cruz and Richard Scagliotti served, I believe a
reasonable person could assume from what was reported in the story
that a simple miscommunication occurred between former supervisor
Cruz and witness Richard Ferreira.
Reader says bribe offer likely was miscommunication
Dear Editor,
I am troubled by the feeble allegation of political bribery purported in the Free Lance article, “Witness alleges bribe offer.” While I am no fan of the previous supervisorial administration in which Bob Cruz and Richard Scagliotti served, I believe a reasonable person could assume from what was reported in the story that a simple miscommunication occurred between former supervisor Cruz and witness Richard Ferreira.
In point of fact, Cruz was correct to point out that the City of Hollister did not have sufficient infrastructure to support that, or any other, development project. The existing building moratorium imposed by the state water board validates that position. Even if the moratorium had not yet been executed, as a member of LAFCO, Cruz could be given the benefit of the doubt for “seeing the writing on the wall.” Further, it is common practice for government agencies and water/wastewater utilities to charge similar impact fees and/or per lot fees to help pay for new wells or treatment plants in order to provide adequate services for such a project. Cruz may or may not have alluded to that point when citing such a figure. Apparently, the developer never followed up for clarification.
When bribes are solicited to developers or contractors, these parties typically turn to the authorities for justice and protection. History provides a long list of politicians who have gone to jail after being caught in a “sting operation”; i.e. being filmed and/or tape-recorded taking money in exchange for political favoritism. The time to report possible illegal activities committed by former supervisor Cruz was six years ago.
I hope attorney Mike Pekin has a more compelling legal strategy upon which to base allegations of political corruption. Otherwise, our justice system will be diminished by specious allegations fueled by speculation, innuendo, ignorance and misunderstanding.
Michael G. Smith, Hollister
