Compton Mayor Aja Brown Responds to District Attorney Inquiry

By Randy Economy

Compton Mayor Aja Brown has formally responded to an article published by Hews Media Group-Community Newspaper last week that confirmed that Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey and the Office of Public Integrity has requested specific records on eight different officials.

On July 31, Lacey directed Compton City Clerk Alita Godwin to turn over several different documents pertaining to Brown and City Council members Janna Zurita, Isaac Galvan, Yvonne Arceneaux and Dr. Willie O. Jones. Lacey also requested documents pertaining to City Attorney Craig J. Cornwell, City Clerk Alita Godwin and City Treasurer Douglas Sanders.

The DA specifically requested documents that include candidate registration and qualification forms; declaration of candidacy forms; candidate intention statements; statements of economic interests, as well as documents regarding interest in real property assets. Mayor Brown told HMG-CN the city officials are assisting the DA’s office with the request.

“Since I’ve been elected by the citizens of Compton, one of my main priorities is to lift the shroud of negativity and perceived corruption of public servants. Change does not come without much labor, consternation and tenacity. Like every community, there is a minority of citizens that find forward movement hard to perceive; but it is here,” Brown said.

“I can assure the citizens of Compton and my supporters that I have complied with all applicable reporting rules required by law prior to being elected Mayor and during my tenure. I am confident that the District Attorney’s records request will reflect that fact,” the 32-year old Brown continued.

She concluded by saying, “Integrity is a personal standard that I am committed to uphold and will continue to fulfill in every endeavor. I made an oath to the citizens of Compton to serve with honor, dignity and respect.”

Last Thursday, Jane Robison, a spokesperson for Lacey told HMG-CN the following about the situation: “We do not confirm if we have ongoing investigations involving any Public Integrity Division.” With that being stressed, Robison went on to say, “I can, however, tell you if we’ve received any complaints against city officials. We have received complaints against four of the Compton officials you inquired about, (Mayor) Aja Brown, (Councilmember) Janna Zurita, (Councilman) Isaac Galvan and (City Attorney) Craig Cornwell.”

Brown has garnered media attention from around the country since becoming Mayor of Compton last year. She has been featured in publications such as Vogue, and the New York Times, as well as segments on CBS Nightly News and the British Broadcasting Network.