Menifee Mayor Mann issues statement of apology
Editor's note: Menifee Mayor Scott Mann faces a fine of $60,000 from the Fair Political Practices Commission for alleged misapprop...
http://www.menifee247.com/2016/10/menifee-mayor-mann-issues-statement-of-apology.html
Editor's note: Menifee Mayor Scott Mann faces a fine of $60,000 from the Fair Political Practices Commission for alleged misappropriation of funds. Today, Mann released this statement to Menifee 24/7:
Dear Menifee residents,
In the last few days, the FPPC announced a negotiated settlement stemming from alleged campaign violations I had committed three years ago. Although this settlement has not been ratified by the Commission, I wanted to reach out to all of you personally and apologize deeply for the embarrassment I may have caused you and our city. I would ask that you each keep this in the proper perspective. This is a civil matter imposed by a regulatory agency stemming from actions, for the most part, before I became mayor.
At times, between 2010 and 2013, I was in extremely difficult financial circumstances. The choices I made included borrowing campaign funds for personal use, a decision I deeply regret. With the support of family and guidance from my Pastor, I was able to emerge from my despair. I was also able to overcome my financial problems and make restitution to my campaign account. At no time did this strictly personal situation affect the City of Menifee or interfere with my performance as mayor.
We have accomplished many things in my time as mayor, as Menifee has come out of the Great Recession. I expect our city to claim its bright future and look forward to working with each of you and other community leaders.
Although these events are three years in the past, it’s important that I take responsibility for my actions. While I have already been forgiven in the eyes of my God, I humbly ask all of you for your forgiveness from something that happened three years ago. Like many of us have before, I made a mistake that I deeply regret. I have let many of you down as a result. Again, please accept my heartfelt apology.
Scott A Mann, Mayor
Amen Mr. Mayor ...I have known you personally for going on 12 years. I have watched this amazing City of Menifee grow under your terms as Councilmember and as Mayor, I have watched you grow as a very strong Christian man, I have experienced your forgiving nature. We support you 100% Scott Mann and you will receive our votes. Timothy Garcia, Rita J. Peters-Garcia
ReplyDeleteEnough said, non issue. Let's move on.
ReplyDeleteI will never set place at your restaurant again. We need integary in Menifee.
DeleteI have spent the weekend responding to many emails, facebook talks, texts, and phone call with residents as well as the press. People now want to know more about me more than ever after this story broke on Friday. I would feel his apology somewhat genuine but the Mayor has been involved in other financial indiscretions in the past. Personally, I am more sorry for our City and its people as we now have this major blemish to deal with. Imagine if the Mayor was re-elected, how would other folks and cities feel and view our stand on our values like honesty and being forthright. I have always stated in my campaign, the only funds being used are my personal funds. No special interest money!! There is a great team in City Hall and I can make it even better. Please don't let corrupt political experience stay in Menifee....you do have another choice and that is voting for me for your next "honest" mayor!!!
ReplyDeleteMr. Mann,
ReplyDeleteIt is very hard to take your apology as contrite. This is not a one-time instance, as there has now been a history of corruption with you. The following are just a few of the instances:
1. Being fined for stealing money from your 2010 campaign fund.
2. Being fined for stealing money from you 2012 and 2014 campaign fund.
3. Not claiming campaign fliers, that were dropped off at Anne Pica’s house, smearing a candidate.
4. Being fined for failure to disclose non-monetary contributions during your 2012 campaign.
5. Taking money under the table from the City Manager for another trip. (giving it back after it was discovered)
You state in your “apology” that you stole the money because you were having financial difficulty. If that was the case, why did you use the money for vacations, travel, dining expenses, and personal expenses related to a family wedding in Malibu. If you are in financial crisis, why are you spending money on these types of things? If you are unable to manage your own finances, how can it be expected that you are able to manage the City’s?
You also stated you received guidance from your pastor. I am sure he explained the difference between Worldly Repentance and Godly Repentance. Your apology after getting caught, is Worldly Repentance. You are sorry you got caught. If it were Godly Repentance, you would have come forward a very long time ago, as you know what you did was wrong, as soon as you did it.
Luke 14:11 “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
If you are a Godly man as you claim, you will humble yourself and resign from your position as Mayor. As this is what is best for the people you claim to be serving. At this point you are only serving your own pride and greed.
It is very disappointing that the Mayor has put this dark cloud over our city. I understand this incident has happened before. I would call for Mann to do the right thing and step down. Set the example and represent Menifee.
ReplyDeleteIf Mr. Mann was "under investigation" by the FPPC, why did he not come forward with the info? Why did he keep hiding the truth? Sad that our city gets a black eye. What can we as citizens do?
ReplyDeleteAnother politician, another liar
ReplyDeleteCorruption at the President level is bad enough but at least at the city level the voters will be able to do something about it, here comes Winter!
ReplyDelete