Councilman Sues Former Opponent Over Brochure

A Santa Ana city councilman Wednesday sued a former political opponent alleging defamation of character and asked for $100,000 in damages.

Ted R. Moreno, a council member since 1992, is suing Mike Metzler, his former Democratic foe in last year’s race for the 69th Assembly District. Metzler beat out Moreno in the primary election for the seat but ultimately lost to Jim Morrissey (R-Anaheim).

Moreno stated in court documents that Metzler and a group called the Orange County Voter Information League published campaign brochures that smeared him.

According to the suit, the brochures read: “FACT: Candidate Ted Moreno did illegally spend $1,500 of taxpayers’ money to buy exercise equipment for his home” and “FACT: Moreno is under investigation by the Orange County district attorney for bribery and illegal fundraising.”

Moreno denied the assertions in court documents, which state he “suffered loss of his reputation, shame, mortification and hurt feelings all to his general damage in the sum of $100,000.”

The suit also states that the campaign flyers caused Moreno to lose sleep and suffer nausea.

Wednesday’s lawsuit is a carry-over from last year’s free-for-all election for the 69th Assembly District.

During the campaign, local politicos wondered about Moreno’s role in the 1992 congressional campaign of Jay C. Kim, a Diamond Bar Republican who came under federal investigation for allegedly violating campaign and labor laws. Fellow Democratic candidate Zeke Hernandez later accused Moreno of taking bribes and buying exercise equipment with taxpayer money, and Moreno charged that Hernandez had illegally taped a telephone conversation with him.

Later, 71st District Assemblyman Mickey Conroy (R-Orange) suggested that volunteer poll-watchers be posted at various precincts in the district to guard against possible voter fraud on behalf of Democrats.

Moreno and Metzler could not be reached for comment late Wednesday night.