AD71 Watch: Blais Campaign Blasts Miller Over Failed Utility Take-Over

Blais/Miller

Editor's Note: I do not endorse either Candidate.

This just came over the transom from the Neil Blais for Assembly campaign:

Miller Fundraising Drying Up as Word about His $3 million Corona Scandal Spreads

(MISSION VIEJO, CA) -- Two weeks ago, Jeff Miller opened his campaign by launching a negative attack against GOP front-runner Neil Blais. But, it was quickly discovered that 'going negative' was Miller's only option in order to hide the fatal scandal in his own background - one that cost Corona taxpayers more than $3 million.

Now, for the first time, there's proof that Miller's fundraising is drying up as donors begin to weigh the consequences of Miller's record on the City Council, one that led the Riverside Press Enterprise to strongly recommend against Miller's re-election to the Council:

"Incumbent Miller's willingness to compromise a public office for private gain - and then fight to conceal public records - should disqualify him from a second term."

Press Enterprise 10/28/2004

As a result of this scandal, Miller's fundraising continues to fall, according to the latest FPPC reports where his Cash on Hand is just over $160K - among the lowest in the state. After removing debt and non-spendable general election money, that total falls to below $150K.

"Corona taxpayers are still digging out from the three million dollars it cost them," said Blais Spokesman Bill Cizmadia. "And the email traffic from Miller at the time is simply devastating. It's no wonder donors are no longer willing to bet on his future."

At the time, the Press Enterprise also wrote:

"The city's failed takeover of Edison's facilities cost taxpayers $ 3 million, and eroded confidence in local officials. At the same time, two councilmen, Jeff Miller and Darrell Talbert, launched a utility consulting business that improperly mingled their roles as city officials and private entrepreneurs - then fought in court to conceal public documents about the scheme."

Press Enterprise 10/28/2004

And, Miller's own email traffic included phrases such as:

"How are you going to explain it when you go to jail? Delete this email."

Email from Jeff Miller, 6/23/2002

"I've never seen anything quite like this scandal, and it certainly pushes the envelope of the public trust," concluded Blais strategist Tim Clark.