West Covina council scrutinizes legal contracts amid concerns over mayor's authority

Concerns over legal contracts and city management took center stage at the West Covina City Council meeting on April 1, 2014. A heated discussion emerged regarding the validity of contracts signed by the city, particularly those involving the law firm Squires, Sanders, and Dempsey. Resident Lloyd Johnson raised alarms about the absence of the mayor's signature on a significant contract, which he argued rendered it invalid under California law.

Johnson pointed out that as a general law city, West Covina requires the mayor's signature on contracts exceeding $25,000. He emphasized that the city manager had signed the contract, which led him to question the legality of payments exceeding $9 million made to the firm. "If there is any other engagement contracts with Squires, Sanders, and Dempsey... there must be a signature on the contract by the mayor," Johnson insisted, urging the council to investigate further.

The discussion also touched on the city's financial management, with Johnson noting a recent proposal from the county that could significantly impact the city’s budget. He expressed hope that the council would focus on effective city management rather than outsourcing services, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in local governance.

As the meeting progressed, the implications of these discussions raised questions about the city's legal practices and financial decisions, leaving residents eager for clarity and action from their elected officials. The council's next steps in addressing these concerns will be closely watched by the community.