Lompoc Council Deadlocks on Bridge Censure Vote Amid Ongoing Criminal Case
LOMPOC, Calif. (KEYT) - The Lompoc City Council reached a 2-2 tie on a proposal to formally censure councilman Steve Bridge after he chose not to cast a vote.
Due to the deadlock, Bridge will be maintaining his position on the council.
Bridge is currently the defendant in 25 criminal charges pending in Santa Barbara County Superior Court regarding an alleged multi-million dollar utility rebate fraud.
“You’re out Mosby!” locals shouted as they left at the end of Tuesday night’s meeting. “You won’t be mayor next time! You’re out!” They were admonishing the mayor's "no" vote.
Before the vote, the city's legal advisor stated that the council lacks the legal authority to force Bridge out of office or revoke his voting privileges in the absence of a formal felony conviction.
“There is no staff recommendation on this item,” said Jeff Malawy, Lompoc City Attorney. “It is purely a decision by the City Council whether to censure one of your own members.”
Local residents packed the meeting room Tuesday night to call for consequences against the District 1 official.
“Yeah, sure. Innocent until proven guilty,” said Aaron Crocker, who lives in Lompoc. “I believe the quote is, ‘I ginned something up,’ right? So, sure, we have not been convicted in some court of law, but the man himself made the comment. That's a quote from him.”
The criminal charges filed against Bridge consist of 20 felonies and five misdemeanors, which include misappropriation of public funds, forgery and grand theft.
“What exactly is censure? It's not a criminal conviction,” said Lompoc resident Shawna Stillwell. “It's not a removal from office. It's not the council deciding the outcome of a criminal case. It's a governing body making a statement about whether the conduct of one of its members is consistent with the standards expected for public office.”
Defense attorney Michael J. Scott obtained delays lasting until September to submit a penal code 995 motion for dismissal seeking to drop all charges.
“I’m not asking the council to decide any legal matter,” said Yasmin Dawson, who lives in Lompoc. “I’m asking you to recognize a responsibility that comes with public office.”
The tie vote occurred after a heated discussion among municipal officials while Bridge's legal proceedings remain in the pretrial stage.
“I believe this is really going to charge us as residents to demand something different,” says Tiffanny Grandberry, who lives in Lompoc. “And so we won't stay complacent anymore to have the same type of character in leadership.”
Defense counsel is scheduled to submit the penal code 995 motion for dismissal this month as the court proceedings move toward a final trial date.
Councilman Bridge is under legal advisement not to publicly comment until the conclusion of the trial.
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