The FPPC has opened an investigation on Andrew Sarega and Citizens for a Better La Mirada.
Staff Report
A few weeks ago, the La Mirada Lamplighter began exclusively publishing articles that a La Mirada campaign committee, Citizens for a Better La Mirada, colluded with current La Mirada City Councilman Andrew Serega in sending out campaign materials and co-mingling campaign funds.
The story was copied by the Whittier Daily News only days later, without attribution.
Now, based on the series, the Fair Political Practices Commission has opened an investigation on Citizens for a Better La Mirada and Serega.
HMG-CN Publisher Hews filed the complaint
The FPPC letter stated, “this is to notify you that the Enforcement Division of the Fair Political Practices Commission will investigate the allegations, under the jurisdiction of the Commission, of the sworn complaint you submitted in the above referenced matter. You will next receive notification from us upon final disposition of the case.”
The City of La Mirada received a request from the FPPC last Friday that stated, “I represent the Enforcement Division of the FPPC. I would like all campaign statements filed by the Residents for A Better La Mirada.”
The Lamplighter contacted former Councilwoman Pauline Deal, who lost to Serega and was the subject of two derogatory political pieces direct mailed to residents paid for by Citizens, who stated,”My hope is that the FPPC would do a thorough investigation. They are the only ones who can determine if any unethical activity has taken place and will enable the truth to be known.”
Below are link to the articles that led to the investigation.
DARK MONEY DONATIONS INFLUENCING LA MIRADA CITY COUNCIL RACE
LA MIRADA CITY COUNCIL CAMPAIGN EMBROILED IN CONTROVERSY AND POSSIBLE ILLEGAL COORDINATION
Additional Connections Are Troubling Between La Mirada Council Candidates Aiello and Sarega