We received the letter below today from Carole Walter with the Concerned Orange Taxpayers. She is asking Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas to launch an investigation into the dealings of the members of the Rancho Santiago Community College District’s Board of Trustees.
Here is Walter’s letter:
January 22, 2016
The Hon. Tony Rackaukas
Orange County District Attorney
401 Civic Ctr. Dr. W.
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Dear Mr. Rackaukas,
On behalf of the Concerned Orange Taxpayers, I am writing to respectfully request that you commence an investigation into the seven elected trustees of the Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD) Board of Trustees for what we allege is malfeasance in office.
The members of this board were elected to serve as stewards for the taxpayers of this community. The much publicized “pay for play” contracts, over billing for travel and an alleged illegal appropriation of funds have now been over shadowed by the most recent revelation of a questionable joint venture partnership between the RSCCD Foundation and a Saudi Arabian company. It has now been publicized that this partner is under investigation in their own country for corruption.
To enter into a joint venture with a foreign entity, which includes an agreement to borrow money from them and approve it without a budget raises serious questions. It is also one more clear example that shows these elected trustees have failed in their fiduciary responsibilities. Even more concerning is the fact this agreement, as well as related contracts were memorialized without any public notice or discussion.
The trustees have failed the citizens they serve within Orange County by their inability to properly oversee the District, its Foundation and in the supervision of Chancellor Raul Rodriguez. It was Rodriguez who was involved in negotiations away from board oversight to secure this agreement and set the Foundation up as the partner.
We firmly believe the taxpayers of our community are being represented by individuals who have failed to execute the duties of their elected offices.
Sincerely,
____________________
Carole Walter
President
Concerned Orange Taxpayers
374 No. Clinton Street
Orange, CA 92867