Letter to the Editor: Campaign cash

Dear Editor:

On November 6, registered voters in the fourth district, which takes in the northeast part of Downey, will have the chance to elect a new council person to replace Fernando Vasquez, who is termed out after eight years in office.

Downey Realtor and attorney Carie Uva, and emergency preparedness manager Claudia Frometa, are vying for the office.

Both candidates have filed FPPC Form 460 with the Downey City Clerk reporting campaign contributions each received for the period of July 1 through Sept. 30.

This letter addresses the donations to Ms. Frometa’s campaign, which are primarily from business interests.

They include Best Buy Tire Center ($2,000), 4 Tires on Line ($2,000), Meghrig Stradley ($2,000), Champion Dodge ($2,000), CalMet Services ($2,000), Paramount Resource Recycling ($1,000), Marcar Real Estate ($1,000), RMI International ($650), Joseph’s Bar and Grill ($500) and Hernandez Carpet Buyers ($500).

RMI International is the security business owned by current Downey Mayor Pro Tem Rick Rodriguez, who has endorsed Frometa.

Outgoing Councilman Fernando Vasquez donated $2,000 left over from his 2014 campaign coffer. He has also endorsed Frometa.

Other individual contributions of note include $500 from businessman Tony Abboud; and $500 from former City Councilman Mario Guerra.

It takes money to successfully run for political office. Analyzing where that money comes from and the amount donated, can help to inform the voter, as it indicates the political interests of the candidate.

Candidate Frometa appears to have the interests of business and her fellow politicians in mind.

Remember the often quoted line from “All the President’s Men,” and “follow the money” before casting your vote in the fourth district council race.

(In full disclosure, the writer donated $500 to Frometa’s campaign.)

Brian Heyman
Downey