As The Times has reported, some of Vincent's city-paid travel does not appear to be in connection with any city business. For example, a three-day trip to New Orleans in 1987 was justified on reimbursement forms with Vincent's claim that he met with mayoral aides there. But New Orleans officials said they have no record of such meetings.
But Assistant Atty. Gen. Eugene Hill said Monday that the focus of his probe is on campaign spending. He said any evidence of misuse of public funds that his agency uncovers will be turned over to the district attorney.
Broad Discretion
City officials have not questioned Vincent's travel, saying city travel policy emphasizes disclosure and gives City Council members broad discretion over what travel constitutes city business.
At Tuesday's City Council meeting, civic activist Terry Coleman called on Vincent to resign, saying: "Other political figures have paid the price and stepped down from their positions. Don't hurt the city any longer."
Garland Hardeman, a Vincent rival and City Council candidate whose lawsuit resulted in the annulment of a council election in 1987, said the attorney general's action was the latest of several scandals in which Vincent has been involved.
"It's a total embarrassment throughout the Southland," Hardeman said.
The mayor, who at past council meetings has angrily denounced Hardeman and other critics, did not respond to those statements. He left the meeting without comment, and could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
The state Fair Political Practices Commission has confirmed that it is investigating Inglewood Mayor Edward Vincent for allegedly failing to itemize and show the ultimate recipients of about $50,000 in campaign travel payments over five years.
