Councilman Hopeful for Justice in Beaumont, 'Restoring Integrity to City Hall': Letter to the Editor

• The following was submitted for publication by Councilman Mark Anthony Orozco:

Tuesday, May 17th the Riverside County District Attorney issued charges against seven former Beaumont city officials for a variety of alleged offenses, including the embezzlement of over $40 million. This is the result of a cooperative investigation effort that began in April 2015, when the District Attorney’s office, in conjunction with other agencies that make up the Inland Regional Corruption Task Force.

According to Councilman Mark Anthony Orozco, “The people of this community appreciate the diligence and thoughtfulness put into the investigation, we hope the people of this great city obtain their justice through the legal system. Until then, it is about moving the city forward in a positive and transparent direction.”

The community of Beaumont has endured heavy challenges, since the majority overhaul of the former City Council and administration over a year and half ago. The current council has diligently worked together to put into place both financial and accountability measures to ensure the integrity and transparency of its city government.

Councilman Orozco stated, “As a recent member of the Beaumont City Council, I understand that it is our responsibility and honor to serve the residents of this community and that is why we are elected to this office. What I cannot understand is how this type of financial malfeasance and gross negligence could go unnoticed and undiscovered by previous Councils. I expected the District Attorney’s Office would of been more critical. In stating that, I am proud to be part of the new City Council and administration that continues to work hard every day in restoring integrity to City Hall.”

Beaumont officials have rectified the State Controller Betty Yee’s findings on the past practices and corrupt dealings by the former City leadership. In addition, the current Council has independently enhanced Internal controls, improved our fiscal accountability, and we have strengthen controls over spending, along with adopting new Financial Management Policies, greatly reducing future problems.

In effect, Council has put in place a Citizens Oversight Standing Financial Committee, and has continued its own inquiry into the Community Facilities Districts (CFD’s) Tax and accountability practices.

Councilmember Orozco expresses, “I’ve been recently critical of the DA’s office, but the hard work done by Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin and his office has not gone unnoticed to all of the residents and stakeholders of the City of Beaumont, we look forward to continuing to work together in restoring the trust everyone should have in City Hall.”