Council Member Jim Miller Resigns : Deal With DA's Office

Council Member Jim Miller resigned from service on the City Council of Grand Terrace to be effective 3/10/2010. In his resignation he took full responsibility for his unintentional transgression of the Conflict of Interest Laws. He tied it to a negotiation underway between his attorney and the DA's Office.

He explained he was operating under the assumption that he was financially independent from his wife as it was part of their prenuptial agreement and how they conducted their personal finances from the onset of their lives together. He also explained that the entire council and the City Attorney knew of his relationship to the City News, and the payments had not been questioned as an issue for over 2 years. When the question was brought to his attention he stopped voting for the payments and the Grand Terrace City News no longer did future business with the City.

The City Attorney John Harper's only advise to him was 2 years late that there "may" be a conflict of interest. It was a non issue until the battle between Tom Schwab and Steve Berry put him between the two fighting bulls, both wanting to be the GT City Manager.

Steve Berry in Concert with Council Member Bea Cortes filed a complaint with the DA's Office and tried holding it over Jim Miller's head to force his support for Steve Berry. When it became clear that Steve Berry was not going to have his way he played his last hand and Called the DA's Office from city hall and had Jim Miller arrested.

How long and what kinds of pressure tactics have been used on the members of the city council all these years? All except for Walt.. have some sort of conflict of interest issue that could be raised. Is this how raises, cars, houses and other perks were negotiated?

When Jim Miller concluded his statement the people in the gallery and all the Council Members and Staff spontaneously stood and showed their appreciation for him and his service.

ALL BUT ONE NOTABLE ONE. Bea Cortes sat silent, Not knowing how to respond to the moment she had a critical part in setting into action. Should she stand and clap like the others. Would that be seen as being happy that Jim Miller resigned? Would that be seen like she was saying ha ha told you so... ? No she sat almost expresionless.

Council Member Bea Cortes received direct and indirect scorn from the Public Speakers and Walt . In addition the City Attorney John Harper received his share of being dressed down. The suggestion of the need for his replacement was made by several individuals. In addition the point was raised that because of his deficiencies as a Lawyer the Millers have had to spend thousands of dollars that the City May be responsible to repay as the City Attorney is charged with keeping the City Council and City Business Legal. His failure to protect the City and the City Council Members should be justification for his replacement and some think loss of his license to practice law.

Later in a very weak statement, Bea Cortes said she "respected" Jim Millers work on the council. She was called a lair and the audience interrupted her speaking several times as none of them felt it was in earnest.