California Black Media

District 2 Council Member Asked to Step Down 

The City Council meeting consisted of a series of agenda items however many in attendance were surprised when accusations began against District 2 Council person Judy Dunlap.

The accusations revolved around conflict of interest and violation of public trust.

It had been previously alleged that District 2 Councilwoman Judy Dunlap had helped her former husband win a $688,000 city contract for his public-access television station, in which she was said to have a financial interest. This allegation once again reared its head toward the end of the city council meeting at the final public comment portion. The accusations of conflict of interest and violation of public trust were stated repeatedly along with requests for Dunlap to resign.

The accusations may take a more serious turn for Dunlap. Inglewood Today has received official documents with the official State of California stamp that shows Judy Dunlap’s assistant Nannette Marchard at the City of Inglewood council office is also the Chief Financial Officer for the South Bay Performing Arts Initiative dba Inglewood Community Television (ICT). Judy Dunlap chaired the council's public information committee that awarded a two-year contract to ICT where her ex-husband, Milton Brown is currently the Executive Producer and Chief Operating Officer.

Inglewood residents were riled and emotional as they accused Dunlap of forgoing the bid process and handing the contract over to ICT instead. The residents charge that Dunlap violated Article 36 Section 10 of the Inglewood City Charter which states that no member of the City Council shall be financially interested, directly or indirectly, in any contract, sale or transaction to which the City is a part.

Dunlap has also allegedly violated Section 1090 of the California Government Code, which points to a conflict of interest. It is alleged that Dunlap reportedly has financial interests in ITC. Dunlap, is the only female and only white councilmember in the city that is more than 90% black and Latino and had also encountered controversy during her campaign for Inglewood mayor.

Brown, Dunlap’s ex-husband is a former television writer with credits covering three-decades, and is known by some as the first African American to achieve a network (NBC) sitcom credit with The Bill Cosby Show, in 1969. and of Inglewood Community Television.

“I operate a California Public Benefit Non Profit Corporation, there are no profits. I am willing to partner with you who feel you haven’t been given a fair deal by the City. Let’s unite and go after Time Warner and AT&T and then we can both work,” stated Milton Brown during the council meeting. He then sarcastically said, “Mayor we should have made a movie because you are such a good actor.”

“Judy Dunlap is the only one that provides us with accurate information and she asks the tough questions. I am asking that Councilman Tabor, Councilman Morales, Councilman Franklin and Mayor Dorn step down and resign,” stated Juanita Priestly.

After previously complementing Inglewood Today’s Publisher Willie Brown and Cynthia Manker for balanced reporting on the council meeting, Juanita Presley insinuated that we only show up when someone is dragged down. Inglewood Today appears regularly at the meetings and without any hidden agendas.

“We came to this one to cover the voting on senior housing. I was surprise to hear so many negative comments about Judy Dunlap and ICTV. Breaking news can't be ignored. We will tell the story as always, as it is. When it comes to news and articles, to us, its no joking matter,” stated Willie Brown, publisher Inglewood Today.

Mayor Dorn, is a former prosecutor and Superior Court judge and an ordained minister and is currently under indictment for felony charges and was also subjected to insults and accusations that he should step down.

Dorn received a 30-year, below-market-rate loan of $500,000 from the city. He used nearly half to pay off the home he and his wife bought in 1996, and deposited the rest in a bank account. Dorn, who earns approximately $95,000 as mayor, repaid the loan in the fall, but the Los Angeles County district attorney's Public Integrity Division is still investigating the matter. After complaints from residents about conflicts of interest, the Inglewood council repealed the provision extending the program to elected officials. Not commenting on the accusations hurled her way Dunlap states, “It is critical that we are in compliance with the law.”

Comments from the public:

• Carol Freeman- I’m new to the City of Inglewood and have found total dishonesty and misappropriation of funds. Bids were stopped and amounts granted were excessive. The 1090 Government Code was violated. Inglewood is being gouged. District 2 councilperson could have used the funds for other things.
• Brian Woodard - We need fairness today and the person from District 2 should step down. 1.2 million has been spent and we have nothing to show for it.
• Johnny Morgan – We learned about the contract with South Bay Performing Arts Studio. Mr. Washington has to use his own money to mentor we high school students in videography. The youth were disappointed that we were not able to bid. We believe that the District 2 councilperson must step down.
• Stacy Williams – Usually there are 3 bids a process. I am a mother of five girls two who are attending Howard University. I am here for the future of my children and to not have them exploited. I ask that you Councilwoman Dunlap step down. We are tired of talking and then we can say a change has come and we will not be moved.
• Mike Stevens – 1993 I used to videotape when Ed Vincent was in office. They didn’t want raw footage because they wanted control over reaction shots. Where is the money going?
• Herman Powell –I am satisfied with the quality of Judy Dunlap
• Judy does a great job the best in the business. The television taping is about unifying our community.
• Diane Sombrano stated very smoothly that the meeting was reminiscent to a war zone with the pros and cons. Instead of attacking one another because there is a difference of opinion use your energy wisely. “Theoretically, people can research and come to their own conclusion, there is nothing wrong with that. A contract should have happened only after a process to bid. We would then have an equitable process and not be questioning a million dollars of services.”