Posted on 11/18/2004 7:18:09 AM PST by NormsRevenge
Over the past decade, state Senator Don Perata has come to be known as "The Teflon Don," based upon his ability to weather criticism of questionable financial transactions without anything sticking to him. Time after time, Perata has emerged from controversy stronger than ever. He is the unquestioned leader of Oakland's Democratic political machine, and is weeks away from taking over as president of the California Senate. But now, sources say, the Teflon may be starting to show some deep scratches. The FBI is reportedly targeting Perata in a federal grand jury investigation that focuses on an influential Oakland lobbyist who also happens to be his former aide.
Few people outside of Oakland City Hall may have heard of her, but Lily Hu, 48, is known to insiders as the city's top lobbyist. She has been one of Perata's closest confidantes for years, and her client list includes many of the biggest developers in town. For the past half-decade, it's been widely suspected in City Hall circles that Hu will not accept a client without first obtaining Perata's blessing. As a result, some city officials believe that if they oppose the plans of a Hu client, they risk angering Perata, who is the top fund-raiser in the East Bay and has political allies throughout the city and Alameda County.
Rumors have long persisted that there was more to Hu's lobbying business than simple campaign donations and phone calls to public officials. Then last year, the FBI learned of allegations by Hu's former boyfriend, Frank Wishom, that Hu was taking kickbacks. In court documents filed in a civil dispute Hu brought against Wishom in September 2003, the lobbyist denied receiving kickbacks, as she indicated that he had alleged. But before anyone could build a case around Wishom's allegations, he died suddenly at Oakland's Summit Medical Center in October 2003 after suffering complications following leg surgery.
In recent months, however, Wishom's former girlfriend has been under scrutiny by the FBI. Although FBI spokeswoman LaRae Quy would neither confirm nor deny the existence of such an investigation, three high-placed sources said the agency is investigating Hu and appears to be targeting Perata. Two of those sources said a federal grand jury has been impaneled and is taking testimony.
As for Wishom? In spite of Hu's allegations that her former boyfriend was harassing her, the 62-year-old diabetic had not changed his will before his death, leaving Hu in charge of his estate. Sources said Wishom's funeral was a well-attended affair that included an appearance by Perata himself.
Perata is also linked with the California gun ban. It just shows that criminals want gun control. It does make it safer for them, when they are trying to rob us.
He wanted a tax on diapers and bullets, ...
Fortunately he shot a blank on both of those proposals.
Dan Rostenkowski.....Mel Reynolds.....Mario Biaggi(SP)
More than just a gun banner, Perata has been pushing for a nickle tax on every bullet.
I generally do not throw out curses, but I think it would be a positive outcome if Perata went down for his corruption.
Don Perata out of office or in jail...a possible wet dream.
bttt...
I hope Don Perata goes to the big house. They won't let him carry his Berretta 9mm in the joint.
Next up: State Senator Jack Scott.
Just fill out an app and make a generous donation to the 'Leave No Beer Behind' fund. We'll see what we can come up with. :-D
He seems like such a champion for people according to the bio on his web site... and well connected. Born in Sweetwater, TX. has a divinity degree.. a real player in the state educational system apparatus , past and present.
CA: Feds seek records on Perata - Subpoenas name state senator's family and associates, BART
So it would seem, but Scott is determined to ban firearms in California. His son, Adam, was killed in a careless and stupid gun accident. You know the, "I didn't know the gun was loaded!" kind. Now Scott is going to take out his grief on the gun owners of California. The firearm laws that Scott has authored and passed are more numerous and severe than Perata's. The fact that you can't even buy a rifle in CA without attending a new, state approved, safety school is Scott's doing.
Actually, I can understand and sympathize with Scott on his grief. That said, his legislative agenda is emotion driven. That is not the sort of mental state from which to draft laws.
Furthermore, Jack Scott, a Democrat, ran unopposed by any Republican candidate for his state senatorial seat in Senate District 21, Pasadena-Altadena. His only opposition was a puny libertarian on last Nov. 2nd. Apparently their aren't any Republicans in the Pasadena-Altadena area.
The Republican Party in California is lead by loosers. (sigh)
Thanks, I was going to ask for more info...
I was pretty sure there had to be more to him than the bio reflected.
Too bad he ran unopposed, but not surprising the way the districts got drawn up.
Yes it was. I e-mailed and snail-mailed the California Republican Party Chairman and received (expectedly) no reply. Even token resistance would be better than total surrender.
As for the districts, they deny the California voter a choice. The state should be sued in Federal Court for election fraud.
In time, about all we can hope for, the gears of US Justice are working pretty hard on other stuff at the moment.. but hopefully, they will get to it.
I know the FBI passed thru the capital a few years ago, but not much came up at that time.
Influence peddling is a cottage industry in StinkyMento.
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