By Michael A. Moodian, Inland Valley (CA) Daily Bulletin, November 9, 2007
9 Nov 2007 // This year marked the commencement of the 110th Congress, a time of change, new beginnings and optimism for the future.
However, the year also marked the fifth term for Republican Congressman Gary Miller, noted for allegations against him as one of the most corrupt members of the House of Representatives.
The trail of alleged corruption and shady real estate involvements has been well documented throughout various media outlets. As reported in a 2006 article by Susan Crabtree of The Hill, Miller was a proponent of a transportation bill provision that would result in the closing of an airport in Rialto. The effect would pave the way for Lewis Operating Corp., a chief contributor to Miller's campaign and business partner of the congressman, to build a major development community on the land.
Additionally, The Hill reported that Miller might have violated House ethics rules when he borrowed $7.5 million from Lewis Operating Corp. The money was then used to conduct a real estate purchase from the company.
The Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) has listed Miller as one of the 20 most corrupt members of Congress, bringing attention to controversial real estate deals (in which he's purportedly benefited by earning millions of dollars), his relationship with Lewis Operating Corp., and a consistent history of ethical concerns. Last year, CREW filed an IRS complaint against Miller citing "failure to report or pay capital gains
taxes on several real estate transactions."
To add to this, a Los Angeles Times article by William Heisel detailed allegations by multiple aides stating that Miller utilized his staff members for a variety of tasks not related to government business - errands, assisting his kids with schoolwork and college registration.
The topper came when Miller, using official Congress letterhead, requested Rolling Stones tickets last Halloween from Ticketmaster.
This is a man who stated, after swearing in for his fifth term, "We must remain committed, stand strong and prioritize the federal government's obligations. Our agenda should remain focused on improving economic security, national security and homeland security for the American people."
How focused is Congressman Miller? It doesn't seem like he's concentrating much on serving the citizens of California's 42nd District.
What is perhaps most disheartening is that Miller ran unopposed on the November 2006 ballot and does not appear to be facing a strong challenger on the 2008 ballot.
The 42nd District, which includes Chino, Chino Hills, Diamond Bar and other cities from Los Angeles and Orange counties, is one of the most Republican districts in the state. Yet, with the trail of controversy that Miller has established, apathetic voters in primarily Republican districts of the county are shockingly unperturbed over this.
We have a choice to hold our representatives in Congress accountable for their actions, but we are not doing this. When will Gary Miller provide detailed explanations to the charges of improper actions that have been reported during his terms in office?
It is essential for Miller either to vindicate himself or resign immediately. It's that simple. In the turbulent times in which we live, members of Congress must maintain the highest levels of integrity and ethicality.
As citizens, we must keep a close eye on our representation or risk dire consequences.
Michael A. Moodian is a professor of organizational leadership. His first book, "Contemporary Leadership and Intercultural Competence," will be released in 2008 by Sage Publications.