Randy Madrid (center) currently serves on the Menifee Planning Commission.
Randy Madrid’s Menifee City Council candidacy is in question because of his residency status, Menifee 24/7 has learned.
Emails obtained by this news group confirm that Madrid on Aug. 17 asked city clerk Stephanie Roseen how he could withdraw from the District 4 (northeast Menifee) race, even though the county deadline for withdrawals had passed. Madrid admitted to Menifee 24/7 that he does not currently live in District 4 as required, but that he is attempting to purchase a residence there after escrow fell through on a previous sale.
In an interview today, Madrid said that although he acknowledges asking to withdraw, he is hoping the Registrar of Voters will allow him time to move into District 4 before the election rather than declare him ineligible. He also said he believes that if his name appears on the ballot, he will win the council seat regardless of any negative publicity he might receive.
“You would think damage control would be, ‘Let’s get you living in the district, so if you win, you can serve,’” Madrid said. (The Registrar) could easily say, ‘You’ ve got an extension and are still eligible.’ I think I can win. It all depends on how it’s reported.
“If I stay on the ballot, I will have more popularity and people will know what I’m about. I’m going to have podcasts, I’m going to have social media … I’m out to educate the public.
“I don’t care about the politics; I care about the community. I don’t have to be a councilman to work on traffic, to work on seniors, to work on e-bikes. But I have to be on council to stop Ricky’s 3-2 agenda, where he’s trying to stop the momentum of the city.”
That is a reference to Mayor Ricky Estrada, who often has been the only “no” vote on development projects such as warehouses and residential homes. Madrid and others have claimed that Estrada’s goal is to help residents who align with his beliefs get elected in Districts 2 and 4 in November.
Regardless of that issue, Madrid’s chances of staying in the race remain uncertain until the Registrar’s Office rules on his case – even though city documents show he has been warned that his situation is precarious.
In an Aug. 19 email, Roseen wrote to Madrid, saying that the Registrar ruled that “there is no subsequent opportunity for a candidate to voluntarily withdraw after that deadline. If you believe that you no longer meet the eligibility requirements for the office, the City cannot provide you with legal advice regarding your candidacy or the appropriate course of action. We recommend that you consult with your own legal counsel regarding your individual circumstances and any options that may be available to you.”
According to three sources, Madrid asked to withdraw in an attempt to avoid discipline. Two of those sources said the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office was investigating the case after the alleged violation of election rules was reported by a private party to the Fair Political Practices Commission.
A representative of the DA’s Office would not confirm or deny on Friday whether Madrid was being investigated. In a similar case the day before, the San Joaquin County DA’s Office announced that Stockton City Council candidate Desiree Lynch was arrested on felony perjury charges for allegedly filing as a candidate using an address where she did not live.
Menifee 24/7 will have further reporting on this story after receiving information from the FPPC and Registrar of Voters. In the meantime, Madrid remains listed on the City of Menifee website as a District 4 candidate along with Frank Sandoval and Daniel Stephens.
Madrid currently serves on the Menifee Planning Commission, having been appointed by City Council member Dean Deines. Planning Commissioner is not an elected position. Madrid has been accused of never living in Menifee at all – a charge he denies, saying he currently lives in District 3.
In Riverside County, there is no countywide residency requirement that forces Planning Commissioners to live in the city where they serve. Planning Commissioners are appointed at the city level, not the county level. Many cities do require commissioners to be city residents, but not all. According to one source, Menifee does have such a policy, but it is not clear whether applicants’ residences are actually verified.
“I made a stupid mistake,” Madrid said. “It was stupid of me, but I thought the sale (in District 4) was going to go through. Then when it fell through, I could’ve bought another place, but I thought that might be a problem because it wouldn’t be the address I filed with.”
Madrid went on to say, “This is a witch hunt.” He said he is being unfairly targeted by certain individuals outside City of Menifee government. Asked for an explanation, Madrid refused to comment, saying he might consider litigation against those involved.
