City atty. ducks questions on crash
Amid a swirl of television cameras and persistent reporters, Los Angeles City Atty. Rocky Delgadillo on Thursday continued to duck questions about who was driving his city-owned vehicle when it was damaged in a 2004 accident and repaired at taxpayer expense.
At a news conference promoting his work with at-risk youths, Delgadillo repeatedly refused to identify who was responsible for the accident or discuss other controversies involving his office.
"I'm here today to talk about these kids," he told reporters.
His silence on matters involving public funds was criticized by public policy and government accountability experts, and was seen by some as an effort to cover up potential misconduct on his part.
Under city rules, the vehicle assigned to Delgadillo cannot be driven by a family member for personal reasons.
Earlier this week, The Times reported that two sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, said Delgadillo occasionally has allowed his wife to use the city-owned GMC Yukon.
Another source close to the city attorney told of being informed that the Yukon had been backed into a structure in the parking garage of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center when Delgadillo's wife, Michelle, was there for a medical appointment.
"When it comes to city property, he should be an open book," said Robert Stern, president of the Center for Governmental Studies in Los Angeles.
Kris Vosburgh, executive director of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayer Assn., said he found Delgadillo's refusal to answer questions about the accident an untenable position for an elected official.
"How can you expect a top law enforcement official to compel others to obey the laws or city rules when he is unable to do so himself?" Vosburgh said. "Even if there wasn't a legal obligation, you would think he would feel a moral obligation to come forward with answers.
"I'm surprised he doesn't feel a sense of shame."
Delgadillo's silence comes as he and his office face increased scrutiny. This week, the Los Angeles Ethics Commission approved $11,450 in fines against Delgadillo for 30 counts of violating campaign finance laws.
On Thursday, The Times reported that Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Steve Cooley had complained that suspects who could have been charged with felonies were charged by Delgadillo with misdemeanors.
