Suit Against Mayor Over Bus Contract Dismissed
A judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed against Monterey Park Mayor Fred Balderrama by a City Council member who sought the mayor’s removal because of an alleged conflict of interest in the selection of a bus contractor.
Pasadena Superior Court Judge Coleman A. Swart ruled this week that allegations that Balderrama violated state law could not be tried in civil court.
Councilman Frank Venti sued the mayor, the city and the contractor in January, charging that Balderrama influenced the awarding of the $1.5-million contract to Parking Concepts Inc., whose owner he works for. Balderrama maintains there was no impropriety because he recused himself from the selection process.
The case against the other defendants is set for trial in April.
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