City Council members withdraw support of mayor

Three of Scott Mann's fellow Menifee City Council members today expressed shock and disappointment in the reported misconduct of Mayor Scott Mann, and two said they have withdrawn their endorsement of Mann in his bid for re-election.

Matt Liesemeyer and Lesa Sobek told Menifee 24/7 they have rescinded their endorsement of Mann (left) following a report by the Fair Political Practices Commission that Mann has been fined for misappropriation of campaign funds. According to that statement, Mann has admitted to personal use of more than $44,000 from campaign funds from his city council and mayoral campaigns of 2010, 2012 and 2014. He has also admitted to a campaign record keeping violation and has agreed to pay by Dec. 1 a penalty of $60,000 from his personal funds.

Council member Greg August also expressed shock and concern over a possible fallout because of a lack of trust in city officials, echoing statements made by Sobek and Liesemeyer.

"When I heard about the matter yesterday afternoon, I was shocked, disappointed and saddened all at the same time," Liesemeyer (left) said in a prepared statement. "I am disgusted by the mayor's recent actions, as many others have also expressed. As if the Harvard check issue I uncovered this summer didn’t abuse the public’s trust enough, now there is another assault on the public trust by Mayor Mann that we now must overcome together."

Liesemeyer's statement referred to a controversy in September when he discovered that Mann had asked for and received a $12,4000 check written by City Manager Rob Johnson to cover Mann's expenses at a leadership seminar at Harvard University. After the check was discovered, it was voided and Mann said he attended the seminar using his own funds and funds from his employer, the Moreno Valley Unified School District.

Both Liesemeyer and Sobek expressed concern that the public's reaction to Mann's misconduct would negatively affect the public's voting regarding Measure DD, the proposed 1 percent sales tax intended to fund vital services. Although Mann's misconduct involved his campaign funds and not city funds, there has already been a backlash on social media of residents saying this controversy will cause them not only to vote against Mann, but also against the tax measure.

Citing the loss of $4 million per year in vehicle license fees through action taken by the governor that has forced the city to dip into reserve funds, city officials say Measure DD is a necessity in order to improve public safety and infrastructure.

"This could not have come at a more crucial time for Menifee and our future," Liesemeyer said. "I just hope that the public can separate the dishonest actions of Mayor Mann by his own public statement, and still have some level of trust in the rest who remain here looking out for the best interests of Menifee."

Sobek (right) spoke about "how extremely disappointed I am" about Mann's action and said she expected there to be a discussion item added to the agenda for Wednesday's city council meeting. She declined to say whether she agreed with State Senator Jeff Stone's call for Mann's resignation.

Mann is running against Neil Winter for re-election on Nov. 8.

"We have an election coming up and the voice of the people will be heard," Sobek said. "I'm hoping Scott will do the right thing. I don't believe in going on a witch hunt, but the voice of the people must be heard."

August said that while he was shocked by the announcement, he is not in favor of any disciplinary action against Mann until the FPPC settlement is finalized and the District Attorney's Office determines whether criminal action will be taken.

"I am shocked, extremely disappointed, frustrated and pained about the shadow and doubt the mayor’s admission will cast on the council as a whole, possibly undermining credibility while definitely diminishing the voters' trust and confidence in city leaders," said August (left).

"I really don’t, at this time, recommend or support any council resolution, denouncements, or disciplinary action until such time that the FPPC settlement is finalized, all facts are known and the mayor has issued his public statement -- and until the DA’s Public Integrity Unit makes a determination on whether to move forward or not. Until that time, it is my hope the city can move forward in a constructive and unified manner.

"With serious issues facing the voters on the November ballot, this news could not have come at a worse time. It's my hope that the voters give each ballot measure and candidate separate, fair and equal consideration and not allow one to unfairly prejudice another."

The fifth city council member, John Denver, did not respond to a request for comment.

Sobek said she would not have a problem sitting at the dais with Mann on Wednesday because "I have a job to do, and that's represent the people. I will continue to do that. One person can't ever make a decision for the whole council. It takes three votes. We need to remember that."

Liesemeyer summed it all up by describing the frustrating events of the last 48 hours.

"I personally went out on Thursday night, dug holes, and put up two large signs to encourage support for Measure DD," Liesemeyer said. "Our city manager, Rob Johnson, spoke on a live Facebook feed Friday for nearly half an hour, taking questions and making his best effort to reach out to the people and inform them on the City’s General Fund issues. Within minutes following the city manager's outreach effort, the Press Enterprise article came out, blindsided the hard-working staff and residents, and pulled the rug out from under everyone.

"Now, I can’t help but think it’s a waste because of the stain the Mayor has left on this city. I’m reaching out to the public and asking that you do not allow the mayor's actions to influence your decision to support measure DD.

"This council and staff have been working honestly and transparently to gain the public trust since [the Harvard check] incident because this November we’re looking to them for their support on Measure DD. Menifee so badly needs the extra funding to provide the vital services our residents need, that there is now a handful of residents working hard to promote Measure DD, creating signs and mail pieces for positive promotion."