Reversing the Charges for the Taxpayer : Valley Supervisor’s $1.2-Million Mistake Creates Interest in New Ethics Legislation

A matter that the Times Valley Edition dubbed the “most expensive telephone call by a public official” has inspired keen interest in Sacramento. As Steinbeck might have put it, the bills authored by Richard Katz (D-Sylmar) and Debra Bowen (D-Marina Del Rey) rolled through the Assembly in greased grooves. The bills, now pending in the state Senate, would force politicians--not taxpayers--to foot the bill for court costs and damages that result from their illegal or unethical conduct.

The legislation was inspired by Supervisor Mike Antonovich’s unspecified share of a $1.2-million civil judgment last year in which he was found liable by a jury for conspiring to influence a judge on behalf of a campaign contributor. . .in a phone call. By agreement of all parties, Los Angeles County lawyers said that the county would pay for Antonovich’s role in reaching out and touching the wrong person at the wrong time. The case is under appeal.

Antonovich maintains that he did nothing improper five years ago in telephoning Judge Eric Younger to offer a character reference for Antonovich campaign donor Krikor Suri and Suri’s jewelry business partners.

Antonovich did tell the San Gabriel Valley Tribune: “In hindsight, I would not have done it.” The judge was in charge of a case pitting Suri against another small businessman.

If you are wondering about the Katz and Bowen bills, we’ve a little something to add to your thinking. The sum of $1.2 million would pay for one-third of the cost to complete plans for the Antelope Valley courthouse Antonovich has pushed for. It would surely help out those cash-strapped county library branches Antonovich supports so strongly. It would pay half the cost of restoring the Eaton Canyon Nature Center, another interest of Antonovich’s.

Meanwhile, the matter has had a chilling effect. “It really makes you think twice before picking up the phone on behalf of somebody,” said a supervisor’s deputy. Well, if the “somebody” is a campaign contributor and the person being called is the judge handling their case, second thoughts are wise . . . and free.