Lack of an Explanation Hurts Martinez’s Future

Few things are worse for a politician’s career than to become the subject of ridicule and distrust, as City Councilman Uvaldo Martinez is finding out. Martinez-at-lunch jokes have enlivened more conversations around here than any other topic since people stopped laughing at J. David Dominelli, the patron saint of free spenders.

But beyond the laughter is a seriousness that could threaten Martinez’s career and, more importantly, furthers the cynicism many people have about politicians and the way government is conducted.

Putting aside for a moment the question of whether Martinez lied in reporting the names of people he took out and the purposes of their meetings, Martinez’s judgment is called into question by his generosity with the city’s money.

We don’t challenge the right of a City Council member to conduct city business over a meal and pick up the check. To the extent that Martinez has used his city credit card for legitimate government business, to solve community problems or to try to attract industry to San Diego, it’s money well-spent. But to the extent that he has used it in an effort simply to impress and entertain friends, journalists and political associates--as seems to be the case in many instances--it is an abuse of a privilege.

Martinez also may have violated city policy by meeting privately with developers and discussing pending land matters before voting on them. If he did, the fact that the city, not the developer, paid the tab is no justification.

But it is whether Martinez intentionally falsified the records of whom he entertained that may get him in the hottest water. So far, the councilman has said little to dispel the impression that he viewed his city credit card as a perquisite of the office for which he need not be accountable. Two dozen people have now said they did not dine with Martinez when and where he reported or that they did not discuss city business with him.

In response, Martinez has said that he is extremely unorganized--not much to brag about when one wants to run for mayor and beyond--and he has hired a lawyer and a public relations man. He has not offered a full explanation of the discrepancies, held a press conference or made his appointment calendar available for public scrutiny. Martinez’s new spokesmen say it will take them until next month to sort out the facts of the matter. But Martinez should consider whether his future political viability can withstand a three-week assault on his integrity and veracity while he stands mute.

Dist. Atty. Edwin Miller’s office has indicated it will launch an investigation of the matter. Given the large number of people disputing Martinez’s records, it certainly should. San Diegans are weary of public officials who seem to have lost their perspective in the handling of money.

The City Council also must consider putting some regulations on the use of city credit cards. Councilman Bill Cleator goes too far in suggesting eliminating them altogether. Official entertaining has its place, and, while Cleator may be financially able to reach into his own pocket to pay for legitimate city expenses, other council members may not be able to and should not be expected to. Perhaps an annual spending limit and certainly tighter reporting requirements are in order.