Maywood activists seek probe into alleged voter fraud

Community activists from Maywood plan to file a complaint with the L.A. County district attorney’s office today, seeking an investigation into voting discrepancies during last month’s city elections.

Members of the group, Maywood for Better Community, said some residents were unable to vote in the Nov. 3 election because someone had already voted for them. The group also alleges that some voters lived in other cities, such as Southgate and El Monte, and that other Maywood residents were allowed to vote more than once.

The allegations are centered on several candidates who ran for seats on the City Council. Members plan to hold a news conference at 11 a.m. in downtown L.A. to announce the filing.

“We are certain they committed voter fraud,” said Ramon Medina, a member of the group. “We have people who saw it.”

The group said it has video footage, photographs and signed affidavits by several witnesses. Marlene Mortley, 42, who served as a poll watcher, said she observed at least two people vote twice.

She said volunteers for one candidate campaigned less than 100 feet away from the polling place. Mortley she attempted to inform polling officials about what she had seen but was yelled at and turned away.

“It was hell,” Mortley said, adding it was her first time serving as a poll watcher. “I wouldn’t do that again, not with that kind of corruption, nope.”

-- Ruben Vives

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Comments

[truthprevails]

Ramon Medina is the same person that began the recall to get three city council members out of office. He's been trying to get elected into office for the last 7 yrs and cannot deal with the fact that he has lost the recall as well as this past election. He goes around and lies to the residents making up stories to confuse the people to vote for him...He is a mechanic that has long ties with the Maywood Towing Co....who were responsible for the illegal car checkpoints six years ago...where cars where impounded for 30 days without the ability for folks to take their cars out....cars were auctioned and lost. Beware of Medina, his lies and tactics...this is just one of the many tactics he is using to get into the city council. He is unethical and not to be trusted.

[BLW]

It doesn't surprise me. The whole council is corrupt and would do (or pay) anything to keep themselves in power.

[truthprevails]

and by the way...if you put two and two together...you would understand that Medina's campaign was supported by the Maywood Tow Company. This is one way that Medina and his fellow campaign partners, Martin and Calderon, were able to pay for the constant flyers circulating around the city. They spent most of their money creating propaganda trying to confuse the residents....and so he continue to chase his tail trying to get into office in an attempt to serve personal interests instead of the public good.

[truthprevails]

I don't agree that the entire city council of Maywood is corrupt....the new city council has members that are trying to tackle pertinent issues in the city such as the bad quality of water residents get and the environmental concerns in the area. People need to distinguish between the previous city council led by Pe~na that is continued with Martin and the gap between residents who can not accept the shifting of Maywood to a predominantly immigrant community.

[TheSkeptic]

My concern lies with the sad state of news reporting.

With respect to Mr. Vives, shouldn't a reporter do some reporting before simply regurgitating a press release?

One minute on the ROV website would have enlightened him to the fact that Mr. Medina --- whom he blithely identifies as merely a "member" of a "community activist" group --- was in fact a losing candidate in the most recent city council election, and before that, an unsuccessful proponent of an effort to recall the slate that had unseated his business allies.

Reporting this "story" without any of this background deprives the reader of the opportunity to reflect on whether such vague allegations of corruption are merely political posturing. After all, given that the Elections Code provides potent investigative tools for anyone who harbors concerns about fraud or error in elections, it is very telling when losers at the ballot box cry foul and demand an investigation instead of pursuing the recount or contest remedies already provided by law.

News reporters should provide such context, and not simply serve as a megaphone for perennial sore losers.

[Rob M.]

She says she wouldn't do it again "...with that kind of corruption...," yet she's a poll watcher? Seems like she doesn't understand the point of being a poll watcher. I guess we can all be glad that cops don't think the same way, or the DA's office, and other organization committed to fighting crime. That makes me feel better that she won't do it again. Hopefully, someone more committed in fighting corruption will.

[the Truth]

Let's get real here. Felipe Aguirre and his 2 female cronies have taken monies including a very large political contribution from a tow company based in HP in order to run their political machine. In fact, they have considered and are considering giving that tow company a contract in the city and it is believed that the p.d. is already using this company for the school police towing in the city which was ordered by Aguirre to the city staff. A payback for the large contribution.

Aguirre and his 2 cronies have paid people to lie and campaign for them.

They've disrepected the community and use people. They have a cult led by Aguirre where they brainwash some of the community residents who don't question or know better. It is sad abuse of the immigrant community.

[truthprevails]

"the Truth"....where are you getting your info from? Support your comments. I've done my research...it seems like you are talking out of spite for certain elected officials who do not agree with. However, you are simply contributing to the same negativity of those who supported the recall. Get your facts straight.

[A good citizen]

All I want to say is, whomever is making a statement has to prove it. Back on campaign there is a lot of information. Two parties misleading people. Lots of lies around.
The fact is we need our community to wake up.

[BLW]

Hey, Felipe Aguirre...oops, I mean, "truthprevails". I received the flyer that you sent out to the residents before the election that you are going to stop the LAUSD from taking the land (via eminent domain) along Slauson Avenue (between King Avenue & Mayflower Avenues). How is that going? Isn't that a lie you told to the residents? I like to see how you are going to "stop" them from building the school when LAUSD made their final decision to be on that site.

[phronesis]

It is very sad to see how Vives is reporting this information without any background and proof. Anybody can send a press release launching the same accusations as Medina. But a professional reporter would not publicize it.

[Tara]

Maybe Martin, et al. are banking on the lack of political sophistication of the largely immigrant community in Maywood to gain power the way they do in corrupt countries like, say, Mexico?

[John Doe]

Maywood smells a rat. Someone has to love the community enough to stand up.
How about being honest? Felipe Aguirre I guess is time for you to act intelligently.
Ramon Medina don't you ever give up!
Thomas Martin is time for you to leave. Enough is enough!

[Gabrielle Sanchez]

C'mon people open your eyes.
It doesn't matter if Felipe stays or not, if Ramon Medina realizes his dream or not, what it is important is to give respect to the citizens.

[truthprevails]

I think it does matter who is in office...Ramon Medina is not a qualified candidate. He does not have the education nor is able to eloquently speak about the major concerns in the city.

For your info...I am not Mr. Aguirre...but a female resident of Maywood for more than 30 years and a researcher. For those who want to move Maywood forward it is time to become more involved. There is a lot of mis-information...being spread.."Maywood for Better Community", "Familias de Maywood" "Citizens for a Good Government", "Voters Against Corruption" , "Committee for New Leadership","Maywood Committee for New Leadership", "Vote for Medina" are all alias names. THEY DON'T EXIST...it's the same person behind these names Ramon Medina.

Yes, people do need to wake up and question. More importantly, they need to educate themselves about the local government process. Simply, because Mr. Aguirre is in the city council does not give him the jurisdiction to make all decisions. That is why it is a council of five in which everyone in that council partakes in voting and the decision making process. It does not mean that the council thinks alike, however, there are public city hall meetings that allow the community to observe, listen and learn.

Please educate yourselves and become more active in your community. Instead of believing hearsay.

[Yngersoli Che]

For those who are saying that voter fraud you are right!! But this fraud was committed by Ramon Medina and Company. They asked people to register to vote by mail and the registration instead of going to the County Registrar was sent to Ramon Medina's home. Voters that were register with them had to vote with provisional ballots because according to the poll watchers they had already voted by mail and some were turned away and denied the right to cast their vote. There was also voter fraud when Mr. Sergio Calderon decided to enter as a candidate in this election knowing that this violates State and Federal laws by up holding two elective positions. This man is being tried by the State District Attorney for this. The corruption in Maywood will continue as long as Martin and Calderon are in power and the only thing the community wanted was to try to make sure people that are fighting to clean it entered the City Council people like, Ed Varela who is in danger of loosing his home because LAUSD wants to build another high school in our small community and displace families so that later on to sell our high school to the Charter System. And Oscar Magana a teacher who has been working with USSC (United Students of the Southeast Cities) who has been working with students in support of the Federal Dream Act. and have also been active in the community doing clean-ups and helping the seniors in our community. And Felipe Aguirre a long time immigrant rights activist. Unlike Medina and company THIS POLITICAL MACHINE IS LEAD BY THE COMMUNITY!!!!

[A maywod male]

Ramon Medina seems to be naive while the others are very skilled people, yes yes yes, in doing what? A world of lies. However, he moves Maywood females as pets.
We can see different people who forget about community.
Ramon Medina with his dreamers.
Felipe Aguirre with his followers until something happens.
Certainly, educate ourselves get the facts and then talk.

[Frank]

All you guys live in a fantasy world. This council is just as bad as previous ones weve had. All the shady back door dealing. Hiring a chief that makes fun of the "unsophisticated" residents. Hiring a personnel director with no experience. Money stolen from the park with no investigation. Cronyisn, favoritism, nepotism run rampant. Hiring unqualified personnel to ridiculously high salaries. I thought the "AG" finished its investigation? Apparently when you have friends working for them, things stay hidden. The problem in Maywood is: Theres No Leadership Anywhere!

[Yngersoli Che]

BLW:

It is not Aguirre who will stop LAUSD it is the community with the support of the city council. And our community has spoken!!! 70% have voted in 2 measures that we don't support the building of a High School that demolishes homes. LAUSD is a bully just like Goliath but this time they have met their David!!!

[John Pileto]

Chief Hauptmann, Paul Philips, Felipe Aguirre, Veronica Guardado, Ana Rizo, Thomas Martin, Hilda Flores, Dave Mango, Carlos Fernandez, Jim Rubeo, Rick Hicks, and Herbert Aguirre have done nothing to move this city forward. We citizens have seen nothing improve anywhere this last year. All they have done is fatten their or their friends pocket books. As head of the citizens league, I'm demanding your resignations! Remember my name! Pileto 2011!

[Jan B. Tucker]

The company that was exposed as having treated corrupt Maywood cops to trips to Las Vegas and the like--and which was profiting by mass traffic blocks where hundreds of poor people's cars were being seized, rightly or wrongly--is once again trying to get rid of the reformers who were swept into office by a virtual popular uprising of Maywood resident voters.

Remember when Felipe Aguirre was threatened with death by a former city employee (later arrested and convicted)? Some people don't want to let the reformers do their job of reforming Maywood city government.

[VET]

I have to say that Maywood needs to clean house. First, anyone trying to be in City Hall whether as a councilman or city clerk must be qualified to fill the position. This means they must be educated with a minimum of a college degree. This idea that someone that has been a resident for over 30 years automatically qualifies the person for a city position is ridiculous!
Second, I am tired of the the same bullets used in campaigns and flyers where they say that the candidate/s are for better education for our children, for our community, that they were responsible for stopping the police check-points and on and on! Stop it already! All that is being done by candidates is regurgitating things from previous campaigns. The funny thing is that people who vote fall for it or just don't care. Voters need to ask tough questions to the candidates that promise you the world when they come to visit you to solicit your vote.
Third, do we really need those new street divider islands on Atlantic and Slauson? Couldn't we have used that money on something that could make a positive impact to our kids instead? Where is that passion for helping our kids? Oh, I forgot , we got them a a new "Olympic" size swimming pool for them which they can only be used during the summer time.
Finally, this notion that the city will block LAUSD from tearing down the homes for a new school is crazy. Once the school district has invoked eminent domain..that's it. I don't care what the council members have told those homeowners about saving their homes. They cannot do a darn thing.
Our residents need to be better informed on what is going on in our city. If they allow for just a few people to let them know what matters will affect them its a bad sign. Residents need to be more active in their community and not only in times when some decision is going to affect their future. We seem to not worry about things in our city unless it affect us. By that time it will be too late to act.
Maywood, you have to wake up and do things for yourself. Don't wait for someone else to do it for you.

[BLW]

Yngersoli, who cares how many people (and council members) are against the school district, once they use eminent domain, that's it. Game over. "David" is not going to stand a chance. Brush up on your 'eminent domain'.

[truthprevails]

I agree with you "VET"...must I remind the readers that the city council that was responsible for many of the decisions such as the creation of the pool and the illegal car check points of 2003 were lead by Samuel Pe~na and Martin. It is true that Calderon has been holding two city posts which is unethical and therefore he is being investigated.

The three city council officials, Guardado, Rizo and Aguirre from my observation have always supported the homeowners and renters residing in the area in which LAUSD is proposing to build a second high school. Again, LAUSD has to go through a process in which they prove that the site is safe for building and thus need to go through the proper legal process. LAUSD can not just take the homes from residents.

To bring awareness to the community there is one activist group in the city made up of homeowners and concerned residents. They have been a strong force in the changes that have taken place in Maywood, they are PUMA.

There will always be those who complain about the city yet, will never show their faces and attend a city hall meeting or work to improve their city. The negativity continues as long as ignorance is held as truth.

PUMA is a testament of change and positive transformation. They are not an alias or fictitious group such as "Maywood for Better Community". They have a rich history in Maywood....and are working towards justice in the city.

For those of you who continue to complain...and create more negativity....do something and stop whining.

[its all madness]

As a citizen of this community for the past 25 years i have never seen such a bad bunch of so call council members. Felipe Aguirre has done nothing but lie to the citizen of this community. He promise to clean the water every time he runs he promise to clean the water something that he has never done and never will the water companies have nothing to do with the city council only with home owners of the community. Come on some one needs to educate the members of our city Maywood and chosee new leaders and let Felipe Aguirre and hes rat puppets craw back into there whole. and stop taking advantage of our people.