Downey : Santangelo Support Lauded
Councilwoman Diane Boggs read a statement Tuesday night supporting the council’s decision to pay for Mayor James Santangelo’s legal fees while he battles a misdemeanor conflict-of-interest charge filed against him last month.
In a show of support, about six Downey residents spoke in favor of the decision, which was made in a closed session at a previous council meeting.
Boggs presided over that portion of Tuesday’s meeting while Santangelo left the room.
After the meeting, Santangelo said: “I knew I had this support all along. I have been in the city for 27 years and I think I have won the respect of the people.”
The city received two letters from residents denouncing the council’s closed-session vote directing the city to pick up Santangelo’s legal fees. The residents requested that the item be opened to public discussion.
Councilman Roy Paul introduced the item last week.
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