As the county patiently waits for a resolution to the District 5
supervisor debacle, let’s reflect back.
Dear Editor,
As the county patiently waits for a resolution to the District 5 supervisor debacle, let’s reflect back. As I recall, it was the practice of Mr. De La Cruz’s campaign workers to gather signatures, to reduce the in-lieu of filing fees. Completed signature forms must be submitted to the elections office along with an affidavit, signed by the circulator under penalty of perjury legalizing he/she as circulator and signatures gathered.
Mr. De La Cruz admitted to signing affidavits, a felony elections law violation, which should have been signed by is circulator. All signatures attached to the illegal affidavit signed by Mr. De La Cruz should not have been counted to reduce in-lieu filing fees.
No question, Mr. De La Cruz should not have become a legal candidate for the District 5 supervisor race.
Mr. De La Cruz admitted to personally collecting and mailing several absentee ballots, another election law violation. Did Mr. De La Cruz buy the postage stamps as well? Whose benefit did these ballots tilt the election toward?
Another felony elections law violation admitted to by Mr. De La Cruz is approaching four voters on Election Day who hadn’t voted. Mr. De La Cruz turned the ballots over to Mr. Velazquez who by accepting them committed a felony. Mr. Velazquez turned them into the Elections Office, signing the log book as friend. By admission, these voters felt uncomfortable having voted under pressure from Mr. De La Cruz and having Mr. Velazquez, who they didn’t know, handle their ballots. Whose benefit did these ballots tilt the election toward?
Everyone should be concerned about the ethical lapses of all politicians. Politicians, wannabes or otherwise, must adhere to the letter of the law and conduct themselves in a manner that leaves no question as to the honesty and integrity with which they conduct their private and public lives.
It’s the district attorney’s responsibility to uphold the law by pressing charges against these two men.
Anything less than a new District 5 election would be a disservice to the candidates and community.
Noreen Martin, Hollister
