The Tangled Web of Elk Grove Politics

Recently Elk Grove citizens were reminded of the old saying if politicians want a friend, get a dog. What has been true about Washington DC pols now seems to be the case for Elk Grove.

Last week started with the revelation that local political consultant Bobbie Singh-Allen was suing MV Transportation for breach of contract. Singh-Allen's suit alleges, among other things, that MV improperly released her confidential political advise  that ended up in the hands of one of her local political consulting competitors, Michelle Smira.

For their part, MV has been a big cash contributor to the Elk Grove City Council members. It undoubtedly didn't hurt MV that the city council rejected  a city staff recommendation to contract with another company instead of MV last year. 

In a unrelated matter last week, former Elk Grove city council member Mike Leary was back in the news. Leary faced a preliminary hearing in the criminal charges filed against him last October.

Leary’s attorney was unable to convince a judge to drop charges that Leary allegedly defrauded his former girlfriend in a real estate transaction. A trial date for Leary will be set on March 11.

Those familiar with Leary recall Michelle Smira, who is mentioned in Singh-Allen’s lawsuit against MV, ran Leary’s city council campaigns, including his ill-fated 2008 campaign.

Late last week EGN learned that Michelle Smira filed and won a small claims suit for $7,610 against her former client, Mike Leary. The court ruled for Smira and said the “Defendant contracted with Plaintiff to run his campaign” and “the Plaintiff [Smira] exerted substantial time, effort and funds in doing so.”

The judgment concluded by saying “it is also clear that Defendant was aware of poll results. Plaintiff is not responsible for the actions of the voting public.”

Based on the words in the judgment, it sounds like Leary was trying to stiff his campaign manager because he didn’t win!

While obviously there is no connection between Singh-Allen’s lawsuit against MV and Smira’s action against Leary, or MV’s influence influence for that matter, it does illustrate the inter-connected nature and hardball tactics working their way into local politics.

With election season upon us, it might be time for those involved in local politics to take a trip to the SPCA and find that special four-legged friend. You’ll need it!