No Conflict of Interest for Lou Lopez

* When one considers the magnitude of Orange County’s problems, it appears to me a dastardly act to call Anaheim Councilman Lou Lopez’s position a conflict of interest. The argument that the city is his employer during the working day as a police officer and that the police chief is then his employee in his capacity as a councilman is not accurate.

The police chief’s employer is basically the people of Anaheim. True, the council oversees his work performance, but this is done on behalf of the citizens of Anaheim. When a person’s work performance is compromised by other duties to the detriment of the public, then a valid reason exists for the separation of duties.

I know Lou Lopez, and his integrity is unimpeachable. Evidence of the esteem in which the community holds Lou was brought to light in the recent elections, where Lou was a top vote-getter. To create this frivolous issue of conflict of interest is ludicrous and unwarranted.

Let Lou Lopez do the job he was elected to with peace of mind. Lou’s position as a police officer must be maintained to support his family, which must be top priority. The people of Anaheim would be the first to wave the red flag if evidence of conflict of interest appeared.

The combination of police officer and councilman in Lou Lopez’s situation is an excellent mix and should be encouraged.

EDMUND BROWN

Anaheim

* I’ve read with interest the articles concerning Anaheim Councilman Lou Lopez and others being employed by the city whose council they have been elected to. Has there been any wrongdoing by anyone in this situation? And, conversely, have there been any indicators showing this to be a healthy situation?

To the people who question “Does Councilman Lopez work for Police Chief Randall Gaston or does Chief Gaston work for the councilman?” I--having known Councilman Lopez and working with him on the Anaheim Union High School District Board of Trustees--must respond that his first response is, and always will be, what is in the best interests of the children (the future) and the residents.

People need to understand that one councilperson does not control the town, but the consenting majority of the council [does].

So in response to the question: When Officer Lopez is on duty, he is working for the people of Anaheim. When not on police duty, Councilman Lopez is still working for the benefit of the people of Anaheim.

ROBERT STEWART

Board of Trustees

Anaheim Union High School District