Resident Claims Campaign Advisor Attempting to Silence her Free Speech
By Cindy Rhodes Editor Grand Terrace City News. CNG Oct 6th 2010 Ed.
Grand Terrace resident and political activist Debra Hurst is concerned that her First Amendment rights to free speech are being violated by a campaign advisor for a candidate running for Grand Terrace City Council.
Hurst has posted election signs and sent mailers that state “Don’t Get Stung by Bea Cortes,” because she believes the Cortes campaign has attempted to stifle anyone who disagrees with her point of view or refuses to support her re-election campaign.
In an email from Cortes campaign advisor Chris Jones, sent to Hurst dated Oct. 4, Jones wrote, “If you are truly responsible for this illegal mailer, then you can expect that appropriate legal action will be taken against you.” Ironically, Jones has a reputation in coordinating negative campaigns.
Several local residents have placed these signs in their yards, only to have someone call them to tell them to remove the signs or they may be sued, Hurst said.
One resident, Thelma Winkler-Beach, has a sign in her yard and received a call.
“This is an issue of freedom of speech and I’m going to leave my sign up and we will see if I get sued,” Winkler-Beach said.
Hurst said she followed proper procedure in obtaining the necessary permits and approvals from the Fair Political Practices Committee (FPPC) and has turned them into the city.
A Grand Terrace resident for more than 30 years, Hurst is a tireless community volunteer who works with a number of groups including serving as a secretary for CERT (Community Emergency Response Teams), secretary for Crime Prevention, the Grand Terrace Woman’s Club, and a past member of C.O.P. (Citizens on Patrol).
She became more politically active when past council member Jim Miller was arrested over a year ago.
“It is my belief that Bea Cortes wanted to silence Jim Miller when he opposed her choice for city manager when past City Manager Tom Schwab got sick,” Hurst said.
Hurst became further involved when Cortes obtained a temporary restraining order against longtime Grand Terrace resident Kay Moore, restricting her appearance in City Hall, council meetings, all other city functions and some local eateries in Grand Terrace. Hurst said the temporary restraining order was filed “just because Kay expressed her disappointment with Bea Cortes’ misuse of power.” As reported in The Sun newspaper, Cortes has since dropped the restraining order at the advice of her lawyer, Frank Tetley. “I believe Bea is continuing to abuse the legal system for her own personal gratifications,” Hurst said.
Hurst answered the speculation as to who had the signs and mailers made, saying, "I believe in freedom of speech “I did it and I am proud of it.”
Cortes did not answer phone or email requests to be interviewed.
