Clerk fired amid filings controversy

The Bell Gardens City Council fired its city clerk this week, amid controversy involving delinquent campaign filings.

City officials have declined to comment, but City Clerk Martha Zermeno said she was fired after three years on the job. Zermeno said she came under fire from council members when she reported to state officials that Councilman Mario Beltran hadn't filed mandatory campaign contribution reports.

"She's a hard worker and an honest person, and it seems she was terminated because she was doing her job," said resident Ron Hoyt. Beltran faces three counts of failing to file campaign contribution reports. Los Angeles police and the FBI are also investigating reports that he steered a contract to a friend.

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-- Sam Quinones