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City attorney and councilmember recalled in San Bernardino
In this file photo, San Bernardino city attorney James Penman takes the podium at a town hall meeting on the city's fiscal crisis. Penman was recalled along with city councilwoman Wendy McCammack in Tuesday's election.
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City attorney and councilmember recalled in San Bernardino
San Bernardino declared bankruptcy a year ago, and the politically divided City Council has struggled to agree on a strategy to get back on solid financial footing.
It was against that backdrop that residents and business-people mounted a recall of San Bernardino's most dominant political figure — City Attorney James Penman — and two of his council allies.
In most California cities, the attorney advises only on legal matters, but Penman — elected in 1987 — often took the podium to debate issues as a councilmember might.
Sixty percent of the voters decided they wanted him to leave. They also recalled his ally, Councilwoman Wendy McCammack. But she got the most votes in the mayoral election, so she'll be in a February runoff.
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A second councilmember, John Valdivia, survived the recall.
Councilman Robert Jenkins, recently accused by the Riverside County District Attorney of stalking and identity theft, lost his bid for re-election in the city's second ward.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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