Nuch picking up Bloggin Momentum from Unexpected Sources

As the Kevin James Endorsement gives a big boost to the re-election chances of City Attorney Carmen Trutanich, unexpected momentum is rising from a formerly hostile local blogger's sphere.

 City Attorney Carmen Trutanich shakes hands with Third Place Mayoral Candidate Kevin James.

** Blogger's notes: Every once in a while, its nice to have laptop and cellphone camera at the ready, for little bloggin field trip. Yesterday's scheduling was perfect for a morning stop-by at the South Steps of City Hall, to partake in Kevin James Endorsement of City Attorney Carmen Trutanich for a second term. Trutanich was jovial and at ease during the presser (maybe the settlement of his lawsuit with John Shallman, stemming from his failed District Attorney Campaign, played a role?). For the record, Trutanich would not personally comment on the specifics of the settlement, citing a confidentiality agreement between the parties. Regarding the James Endorsement, the former Federal Prosecutor cited Trutanich past trial lawyer experience and chided challenger Mike Feuer for being a co-sponsor of the AB-109 Prison Realignment Scandal. Our notes and and other related thoughts continue below. 

As noted above, James was critical of Mike Feuer's co sponsorship of AB 109. James cited his computer search that turned up an increased number of AB 109 related crimes within California. LA Weekly's Gene Maddaus reminded Trutanich that he was a early supporter of AB 109, to which Trutanich replied that his job was to "make lemonade out of a lemon". The subject of AB 109 was also the basis for A question directed  at Trutanich by this blogger, that cited a recent comment by LA Dragnet Blogger and LA County Deputy District Attorney David Berger, which he stated the reason for Trutanich's support of AB 109, was predicated in Trutanich's desire to get California Governor Jerry Brown's support for his losing District Attorney Campaign. Trutanich responded that "Berger is a cyber stalker" and his relationship with Governor Brown predated AB 109.

 

 Trutanich and James remarks did not go unnoticed by the Feuer Campaign. At one point, an observer who was supposedly linked to Feuer's Consultant John Shallman, broached loudly on the tired subject of Trutanich's pledge to donate $100,000 dollars to LA Best, which Trutanich deflected with a "have a good day" comment and a matching pledge request of the "walk by shill". But what should concern the Feuer Campaign is a growing momentum in the local blogger's sphere, against his ethically-challenged antics. From Joseph Mailander today .............

Hey, don't faint.  But here's an excellent summary of a City Attorney debate by Paul Hatfield that may cause you to take a second peek at Carmen Trutanich.

While we have yet to see a LA Weekly's Gene Maddaus report on last night's City Attorney Debate, the Feuer Campaign (and Shallman) may want to take pause, From debate observer and blogger Paul Hatfield.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            .

The only thing missing in tonight’s City Attorney debate in Valley Village was one of the candidates shouting, “You can’t handle the truth!”

The heat did match the final courtroom scene between Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise on two of the subjects.

The first was Feuer’s controversial contract with his campaign manager John Shallman.

Feuer claims the Ethics Commission told him his contract passed muster. Trutanich flashed a document purporting that the Commission has no record of Feuer’s inquiry. Feuer countered that the Commission was not allowed to comment on his inquiry. Trutanich fired back saying if the discussion was confidential, it violated the Brown Act, which requires public transparency. He went on to chide Feuer about relying on an oral statement to support such a critical matter, implying it was sloppy practice.

I spoke briefly with Trutanich after the debate concerning the related court case filed against Feuer by an activist. He said the worst that could happen to Feuer would be the removal of his name from the ballot.

 Thus, with Mailander and Hatfield opining on the ethical issues pertaining to Mike Feuer, the time was also right to question Trutanich on the root reason for the breach between himself and former employee, turned LA Dragnet Blogger David Berger (who's supported candidate Greg Smith endorsed Feuer yesterday). Trutanich cited city confidential personal codes for not commenting directly on Berger's departure from the City Attorney Office. But as former uber critical bloggers of Trutanich now take a second look, maybe Berger will be transparent on the "root reason" for his current bloggin vitriol directed at his former boss and why he ended up back at the District Attorney's office?

Your thoughts ..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14