Friday, October 17, 2014

Mayor Long's DUI Opens Door For Challengers in City Council Race

By Douglas V. Gibbs

Murrieta Mayor Alan Long had a run-in with police after causing an accident that injured four minors.  The 44-year old Murrieta resident was arrested for driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, and causing bodily injury.  The potential damage from his actions, especially considering his position as the face of Murrieta to much of the nation after he found himself on national news networks during the Murrieta Immigration Protests, could be devastating to both his career as a fire fighter, and his political career that began when he won a seat on the Murrieta City Council in 2010.  Long's reelection campaign has been in full swing in 2014, and he has been connected to incumbent Rick Gibbs, and WRCOG minion Ruthanne Taylor-Berger, which means the impact of Long's actions on Thursday Night at the intersection of Jefferson and Lily may reach into campaigns other than his, as well.

Other than Taylor-Berger, who's campaign is simply an attempt by WRCOG to solidify their control over Murrieta's lawmaking abilities, the challengers are going to benefit greatly from Long's misfortune.  Jon Ingram and Diana Serafin will easily propel to the top of the list, with the third spot being battled over by the remaining candidates.

Supporters of Mayor Long have told me that Alan's Blood Alcohol Level was under .07, which means his alcohol level was under the limit, and so alcohol is not likely to be the cause of the accident.  Long's cheering section also points out that the kids injured in the accident were between the ages of 14 and 17, which means a 17 year old was driving around younger students, which Long's cheerleaders say is not lawful.  One contact also suggested that there is some questions regarding accuracy of the Murrieta Police Department press release, calling it inconsistent with other DUI reports and accidents in the area, and claiming that there are no other records available regarding the incident.

All information we have from the Murrieta Police Department and Riverside Sheriff's Department is that Long was driving under the influence of alcohol, and regardless of the legality of the kids on the road, Long's vehicle impacted the other vehicle, and the four teenage passengers from that vehicle are injured as a result of Long's actions.

As for sources, in addition to the Murrieta Police Department, according to the Riverside County Jail Information Management System, Mayor Alan Long was arrested on October 16, 2014 at 9:35 pm after an 8:18 pm motor vehicle accident he caused while under the influence of alcohol.  The accident, and the arrest, was at the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Lily Avenue, and Mr. Long was booked early this morning at 1:02.  He was held at the Southwest Detention Center Housing Unit not far from Winchester Road, north of Murrieta Hot Springs Road, and was let out on a $50,000 bail.

The timing of this is incredible, considering the bad blood we have already seen in this Murrieta City Council race that has included death threats by a stalker against candidate Jon Ingram, battles over involvement with the veterans memorial in Murrieta, and accusations and mud slinging that has made the race look more like a congressional race, than a local city council race.

One thing is for sure.  Mr. Long's troubles are going to go deep into his life, as well as the candidacies of those closest to him, namely Rick Gibbs and WRCOG plant Ruthanne Taylor-Berger.

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary

Murrieta Mayor Alan Long Arrested for D.U.I., Injured Four Minors - Political Pistachio

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