Corruption in High Places

The sweeping conviction of Santa Ana Councilman Ted R. Moreno last week left little doubt that jurors were convinced by the prosecution’s extensive case on extortion, money laundering and mail fraud. It is too bad that a young politician who once showed so much promise, and who could have done so much good, somehow went off the path.

Unfortunately, the pattern of ambitious politicians seeking to extend their influence has been seen before in Orange County, especially at the county level.

In the 1960s, the city of Westminster was hit with a similar scandal. In the 1970s, a host of political prosecutions netted such big fish as Supervisor Ralph A. Diedrich, once considered the brightest and most able politician of his time, but later found guilty of bribery.

Other politicians in that decade and after were derailed by scandal, much of it centering on allegations of misreporting of campaign funds, bribery or misusing staff.

A reform movement in the late 1970s helped prevent conflicts, but the latest chapter in the county’s history of corruption in official ranks demonstrates the continued vulnerability of officials at every level of government.

The Moreno case divided the community and left unfulfilled the promise of a young councilman’s stated populist aims. Others now will have to take up the case in Santa Ana politics for the working class families who have basic kitchen table concerns about clean streets and the availability of other city services.

Moreno has been suspended from the council following the verdict and will be barred from using his City Council office. Now facing the prospect of official removal from office once sentenced, he could help the city regroup by simply resigning now.

This case serves as a reminder of the dangers when ambitious politicians, who should tend to the public’s business, are tempted to extend their bases of power by wheeling and dealing.