Does Assemblymember Spitzer have his eyes on becoming Sheriff instead of D.A.? I guess it might take longer to indict and convict the D.A. It’s funny how things can change in politics. Mike Carona endorsed Spitzer for the State Assembly.

These are nice pictures of Spitzer with Carona: http://republican.assembly.ca.gov/members/a71/Images/pic31_awards6.jpg
http://republican.assembly.ca.gov/members/a71/Images/pic14_parade3.jpg

I was very clear that Carona should resign when I was interviewed by John and Ken on KFI either the same day I went to the Supervisors meeting or within a day or two of my testimony.

My stating he should resign is not new news.

When did the John and Ken show become Todd Sptizer's Press Office?

Todd, thanks for the response and clarification. As a high profile elected official with strong law enforcement credentials, I am surprise that the media didn't provide more coverage of your position on this matter.

Thanks again for the response.

Assemblymember Spitzer, did you issue a formal press release stating that you believe that Mike Carona should resign as Sheriff? If so, when did You issue it?

Dear Anonymous,

All my statements about any issues surrounding Mike Carona have been made in public on the record. The LA Times reported (David Reyes) that the DA and I believed that Carona needed to take a leave of absence. That was reported by Reyes on November 3rd, 2007 in the OC edition front page story in the California section "DA calls on Carona to go on leave." I was quoted as follows:

"Assemblyman Todd Spitzer (R-Orange) joined the chorus Friday, agreeing with Rackauckas that 'there's no way' Carona could run the department and simultaneously wage his court battle. 'If he wants to fight the charges, that's his right,' Spitzer said. 'But if this were a rank-and-file employee, they would have to be on administrative leave. He should take administrative leave.'"

Both the DA and I said the same thing on Tuesday, November 6th, 2007 at the Board of Supervisors meeting.

My interview with John and Ken was that same day:
http://kfiam640.com/cc-common/podcast/single_podcast.html?podcast=JohnandKen.xml

As of this posting, the interview is still listed in their archives.

I have not issued any press releases on my opinions about Sheriff Carona. All my statements have already been a matter of public record and have been widely distributed as shown above.

I have been frank and honest about my assessment of the Carona situation. I, like to so many others who called Mike Carona their friend, am deeply saddened by this situation--both for the Carona's and their son, Matt, as well as for the entire County of Orange. I am not pleased about having to comment about this; I testified at the Board because I believed the action item to remove indicted officials was overreaching based on an allegation. John and Ken beat me up pretty good interpreting my objection to removal for an indictment as defending Carona (too complicated for talk radio, I suppose). But I also know that these type of allegations most likely mean that Carona will not recover professionally and will likely make it impossible for him to ever lead the Sheriff's Department again if he were to come back after beating the US Attorney's charges.

For those of us who believe in law enforcement and have our roots in law enforcement this is a complicated and sad state of events. But to defend law enforcement you have to stand up and point out when there are errors or lack of judgements that result in public trust issues. This is not just about Mike Carona; this is about what impact his actions may have or may not have on law enforcement and public safety issues in the months and years ahead. I was taught this in the police academy 17 years ago and I believe it the same today. Actions by police--in public or in private--effect the public's perception of one of government's most important powers. Any abuse by one, reflects on all. Mike Carona's resignation, under these circumstances, seems to be the appropriate remedy.

You're right Todd, it's very sad that the Sheriff has abused his office. I'm glad at least some public officials are starting to go on the record with their feelings regarding the Sheriff.

Ok - This really does look like an example where someone can't win no matter what he does.

If all Todd did was send a press release, he would be criticized for not doing more.

In this case, he is on the #1 southern cal radio station and he is criticized for not following up with a meaningless press release.

Cut the guy some slack.

Assemblyman Spitzer,
I am not involved in politics but take my voting privilege very seriously. I listen to John and Ken regularly. I have heard you get beat up on more than one occasion. I respect the fact you keep a level head in the interviews, don’t double talk, and seem passionate the issues you are faced with. As long as you keep those qualities you will have my vote.
I believe your position is correct. It is disappointing when a person is put into a position of trust and becomes inebriated with power. I feel this is what the Sheriff has done.
He should resign for the sake of our county. The method in which your position was revealed is not as important as the fact you are taking a position for the good of the people you represent.

Todd, you quote yourself above as having said:

"He should take administrative leave"

So, I'm a bit confused. Did you ask for him to resign or merely take a leave? He's done the latter.

On the Friday before the Supervisors meeting I thought I went far enough in calling for Mike Carona to take a leave of absence. Over the course of the next week and repeated discussions and deliberations--especially after debating John and Ken for an hour about the Moorlach proposal which called for Supervisors' ability to remove an indicted official from office (while excluding themselves; Norby later insisted that the measure apply to Supervisors as well or he could not support it) and then listening to John Ziegler's profound and intense analysis distinguishing between the criminal procedures versus the court of public opinion (which fairly or unfairly judges all of us electeds) I was moved to go even further in my position supporting resignation.

I admit that my position evolved over the course of several days as I was biased in my personal feelings for the Sheriff as a friend and the ability to see with more clarity as I listened to the difficult and tortious discussion about his alleged misconduct in office and the overall harm it could do for OC law enforcement for possibly the next decade.

Thank you Assemblymember Spitzer for coming on to Red County and clarifying your position.

Now, please don't become like your colleague Assemblymember DeVore and spend too much time on the blogs.

Again, your clarification is appreciated.

Seriously don't spend to much time on the blogs Assemblyman Spitzer. I sometimes wonder what my Assemblyman is doing here so much.

Spitzer obviously gets it. He understands being a leader means making tough, unpopular decisions. He also understand the traditions of law enforcement and will not subordinate those principles to an easy out.

How refreshing. How easy to follow compared to the others out there.

I will admit I was surprised after reading Todd's letter because I hadn't heard that he had taken that position before. Thanks for the clarification. Aside from the Federal matter, I believe issues of perception of the Sheriff were previosly overlooked and as detailed by the OC Weekly. In any event, the present overall perception of the Sheriff is unsalvagable and he should step down