Long Beach : Library Will Keep Exhibit on Convicted Councilman
Library officials have decided to keep on exhibit a display of mementos from the late James H. Wilson’s 16 years as a Long Beach city councilman, despite Wilson’s conviction on mail fraud charges shortly before his death in 1986.
Library officials briefly reconsidered the exhibit last week after inquiries from The Times. But after consulting with community leaders from Wilson’s old district, librarians said they found unanimous support for the display, which is being hung at the Burnett Branch Library on Hill Street. The community was in agreement, said library Manager Doris Soriano, that Wilson’s achievements in office outweighed his conviction.
Wilson died of a heart attack a few weeks after he was sentenced to three years in prison for taking some $54,000 in concealed payments from fireworks manufacturer and convicted political fixer W. Patrick Moriarty. The prosecution contended that Moriarty gave Wilson the money to gain Wilson’s support for pro fireworks laws.
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