Thanks, Trowbridge

By Robert E. Lee, Normal Heights

E-MAIL STORY

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2008 | It has been a couple of years since I have seen or talked to Ian Trowbridge. And I have never met his attorney, Cory Briggs. But to both of them, I offer a great big "thank you!"

I am grateful to Superior Court Judge Jay Bloom for finally bringing some sanity to the whole Southeastern Economic Development Corp. saga. Although the merits of the Trowbridge case are still to be heard and examined carefully in a future court hearing, Judge Bloom's decision, for now, protects citizens and taxpayers from rewarding the misconduct of former President Carolyn Smith. A recently completed audit of SEDC practices determined that Smith's covert payment of nearly a million dollars in extra compensation to herself and others at the agency rose to the level of fraud. It has been the argument of myself and others that Smith neither needed nor deserved the grossly overgenerous severance payment she received, in light of her allegedly fraudulent behavior.

In addition to having the severance payment stopped in this case, I still hope the district attorney's office separately indicts and prosecutes Carolyn Smith for the fraudulent conduct that was highlighted in the auditor's report. I have to believe that the auditing firm would never use the words "fraud" or "fraudulent" in their report without clearing those allegations through their own attorneys, for fear of being sued for defamation by Smith. Let the trial proceed.

Smith badly betrayed the public trust. Taxpayers and concerned citizens like Mr. Trowbridge, me, and all others demand that full justice be brought in a case of The People vs. Carolyn Smith.

5 Comments so far on this story...

It seems these so called "GSE" (government sponsored enterprises) are ripe for all sorts of fraudulent acts. It doesnâ��t seem to matter if itâ��s at the Federal level, i.e. Fannie and Freddie or here locally at SEDC or CCDC. When people, who started off on the straight and narrow begin spending money theyâ��re not held accountable for; or are NOT personally liable for losses; they'll convert their acts and agencies intent of public good to ones where grabbing the gold ring for themselves is the only REAL goal. The full extent of the frauds perpetrated by the SEDC and CCDC will never be completely uncovered. Kudos to the Voice of San Diego to initiating this action, thanks to Mr. Towbridge for choosing to follow through when our pathetic city leaders wouldnâ��t.

Posted by JustWondering | reply to this comment
October 8, 2008 2:28 pm

I don't often agree with Mr. Trowbridge's tactics or political positions. But I must give credit where credit is due. He pursued this through the proper channels and it paid off. Hopefully, the upcoming legal process will also produce the proper results. That $100,000 should be used for the good of the redevelopment area, namely beneficial and well designed projects. Well done.

Posted by NativeVoice | reply to this comment
October 8, 2008 5:02 pm

Ian did a great service for the taxpayers of San Diego. Since he posts here regularly, and everyone here is pretty outspoken, I feel like a part of something even though I only speak out here. I think the $100K severence payment is the LEAST of Carolyn Smith's problems. I am fairly certain that she is going to be criminally charged, if not by Bonnie Do Nothing, then by the US Attorney. I just cannot see this type of public criminality go unpunished. The Feds went after OC Sheriff Mike Carone because the local DA wouldn't-that could happen here very easily.Nonetheless, it does boggle the mind that anyone acting above board under these circumstances would grant such a payment. I am pretty sure it was a fraudulent payment by the SEDC Board of Directors as a personal favor to Smith. Since the taxpayers paid for it.

Posted by Billy Bob Henry | reply to this comment
October 8, 2008 6:08 pm

As a regular lurker and sometimes-poster here (and at other sites such as SignOnSD and ScamDiego) I'd like to offer a shout-out to Ian as well for his efforts regarding the severance package. I was outraged when I first heard about it, but figured "Well, what can ya do? Just another injustice in Sandy Eggo. *sigh*" I also see Billy Bob Henry, Robert E. Lee, and Johnny Vegas post often on the few sites in town that dig up what matters and appreciate all of their participation and comments, regardless of my agreement or disagreement at the time. This native is grateful for the information. : )

Posted by Scott Kovacik | reply to this comment
October 9, 2008 8:10 am

I'd like to add my hearty thanks to Mr. Trowbridge along with those of the others on here. It is a great service you have done for the citizens of San Diego. Let's hope that justice is truly served. If a formal investigation is undertaken and Ms. Smyth is found likely at fault, let the trial begin. At the very least, I would like to never see her face or here her name in San Diego again.

Posted by Edgar | reply to this comment
October 10, 2008 4:30 pm

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