Rivera to Continue on Commission Issues
I spoke this morning with my Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (6C05) Anthony Rivera, with whom our community has worked on the ongoing noise issue at H and 8th Streets NE. We also discussed his indictment on Saturday by a federal grand jury on conspiracy, fraud and money laundering charges.
Anthony told me he plans to continue work as ANC6C commissioner and is fighting all charges.
Under the law, Anthony is innocent until proven guilty in court. Speaking for myself, I've found Anthony to be responsive and moderately effective as a rookie commissioner elected in 2004. The indictment is surprising and maddening. If Anthony is found guilty, he, of course, should immediately resign from the commission. Or perhaps the law automatically boots him off? I’m not familiar with the election rules.
However, this indictment, which alleges fraud related to real estate, raises concerns about Anthony’s role as a member of the ANC6C Zoning Commission. I told Anthony this morning that if this indictment in any way hinders his ability to represent the residents of ANC6C05, he should immediately consider resigning his seat on the commission.
He assured me that the indictment and subsequent trial would not diminish his role as ANC6C commissioner. Anthony said he expects the process of a trial to last possibly more than a year. He was referring all media inquiries to his attorney. I did tell Anthony I would make a note of our conversation on my blog.
As far as the amplified noise, I’ve asked ANC6C to officially support a legislative fix to the D.C. noise ordinance, much like ANC6A already has done. Anthony committed to proposing a draft letter at tonight’s meeting, which I’ll be also be attending as the Police Service Area (PSA) 102 citizen coordinator. My co-coordinator is Marc Lesnick.
Anthony told me he plans to continue work as ANC6C commissioner and is fighting all charges.
Under the law, Anthony is innocent until proven guilty in court. Speaking for myself, I've found Anthony to be responsive and moderately effective as a rookie commissioner elected in 2004. The indictment is surprising and maddening. If Anthony is found guilty, he, of course, should immediately resign from the commission. Or perhaps the law automatically boots him off? I’m not familiar with the election rules.
However, this indictment, which alleges fraud related to real estate, raises concerns about Anthony’s role as a member of the ANC6C Zoning Commission. I told Anthony this morning that if this indictment in any way hinders his ability to represent the residents of ANC6C05, he should immediately consider resigning his seat on the commission.
He assured me that the indictment and subsequent trial would not diminish his role as ANC6C commissioner. Anthony said he expects the process of a trial to last possibly more than a year. He was referring all media inquiries to his attorney. I did tell Anthony I would make a note of our conversation on my blog.
As far as the amplified noise, I’ve asked ANC6C to officially support a legislative fix to the D.C. noise ordinance, much like ANC6A already has done. Anthony committed to proposing a draft letter at tonight’s meeting, which I’ll be also be attending as the Police Service Area (PSA) 102 citizen coordinator. My co-coordinator is Marc Lesnick.
posted by Klav at 12:20 PM
4 Comments:
Have you considered suing these people for common law nuisance? Just because something doesn't violate a statute doesn't mean you have to tolerate it. The case they use in law school to teach nuisance involves a piggery which is perfectly legal but also is required to shut down due to nuisance. If the decibals are as loud as you say, and you can document it, you should not have too hard a time.
Our neighborhood is pursuing all options--legislative and legal.
Let's be clear about the presumption of innocence. It is binding on judges and jurors; it is not binding on the general public.
Personally, I doubt that the prosecution brought this case for jollies or is trying to set up an innocent man. The described fraud left a paper trail of bank records a mile long, and it's hard to see how you explain away all the funky transactions.
Look at the evidence contained in the indicment against Rivera if anyone doubts his guilt/innocence. He stole and defrauded the very people he now serves. It is an embarrasment that he is still a commissioner. He should resign immediately.
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