City Controller Wendy Greuel Under Fire At Latest LA Mayoral Debate
GRIFFITH PARK (CBSLA.com) — Four Los Angeles mayoral candidates Monday questioned whether City Controller Wendy Greuel would be able to reform the LA Department of Water and Power in the wake of an endorsement in support of Greuel made by the union representing its workers.
In a debate, which was moderated by KCAL9's Dave Bryan at The Autry National Center, Councilwoman Jan Perry, Councilman Eric Garcetti, Kevin James, and Emanuel Pleitez also expressed concerns about a $250,000 contribution the union made to a "super PAC" backing Greuel.
"You've got to have someone completely independent of the DWP. This council, this City Hall, has allowed the DWP to be immune," said James.
Perry said, "I'm not leveraging what DWP can do to me...for me or against me. They're not contributing to my campaign, they never have."
Greuel responded, "I want to tell you, I've been strong. No matter what. You all have covered it, talked about it…when I come out with those audits and demonstrate that I'm gonna be tough on (the DWP). And I will continue to do that. Anyone, even if some of you gave me money for my campaign, I will be tough on you, too, if you do something wrong."
Meantime, Bryan said Pleitez was questioned about an $800,000 settlement paid by a company he recently worked for, which was accused of misusing subscribers' private information.
"That happened two and a half years ago and I was brought in specifically by the founders to help solve those issues," Pleitez said.
