Campaign Watch : L.A. CITY COUNCIL 5TH DISTRICT

Fifth District City Council candidate Mike Feuer sent out letters this week seeking contributions from about 1,000 families that attend Temple Beth Hillel in Valley Village. The temple is within the district, but many of its members live outside the district.

THE FEUER LETTER

The top left corner of the envelope for the letter is emblazoned with the words: “Temple Beth Hillel Members for Mike Feuer.” The letter inside starts off by recognizing the 50th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi forces in Europe and describes Feuer as “a true hero in our community and a fighter for survivors of the Holocaust.” The letter goes on to discuss Feuer’s work as director of Bet Tzedek, a free legal clinic that helps the elderly, fraud victims and others. The letter is signed by three temple members.

THE ANALYSIS

Despite the wording on the envelope and letter enclosed, Temple Beth Hillel does not endorse Feuer. In fact, the temple has a longstanding policy of not endorsing political candidates. Nancy Endman, president of the congregation, said the letter was sent without the temple’s knowledge and temple leaders are investigating how Feuer’s campaign got hold of the mailing list for the congregation. She said the use of the mailing list was inappropriate and that many temple members have complained about the letter. Cynthia Corona, Feuer’s campaign manager, concedes that the mailing was inappropriate and said the campaign plans to apologize to temple leaders. As for the mailing list, she said it was found in a desk at campaign headquarters.