Charles Parkin
Long Beach
City Attorney

Civil Enforcement Actions To Be Filed Against Several Long Beach Candidates for Violations of the Long Beach Campaign Reform Act

Today, the City of Long Beach’s retained counsel from the law firm of Best Best & Krieger, LLP sent several candidates letters placing them on notice that, at a minimum, civil actions will be filed for violations of the Long Beach Campaign Reform Act (“the Act”).

Under the Act, candidates for the offices of the City Prosecutor, City Attorney, and City Auditor are prohibited from loaning their campaign more than $15,000 and may not receive contributions of more than $600 for a primary election. Based on the reports filed on behalf of the candidates, the alleged violations are as follows:

• City Prosecutor candidate Nick Liddi loaned his campaign $34,100.

• City Attorney candidate Gerrie Schipske loaned her campaign $50,000. Additionally, Schipske received two donations totaling $859.38 from the same individual.

• City Auditor candidate Dan Miles loaned himself $20,000.

The Act allows for the City, through special counsel, to seek no more than three times the amount of the unlawful contribution or expenditure in a civil enforcement action. If a judgment is entered against the defendant or defendants in an action, the entire amount shall be paid into the campaign reform account of the general fund of the City.

All 2022 candidates received a copy of the City of Long Beach Candidate Handbook when they picked up their nomination packet from the City Clerk. The Handbook clearly outlines all legal requirements for candidates, including campaign funding requirements and restrictions. All candidates are required to sign a “Receipt of Candidate Handbook” which is countersigned by the City Clerk. This information is also available on the City Clerk’s website at www.longbeach.gov/cityclerk/elections.

Full compliance with the Act is expected and required of all candidates for Long Beach elections. Violations such as these give candidates an unfair advantage and violate the public trust in local government.

An ongoing review of candidate campaign statements for all candidates in the June 7, 2022 election is being conducted. Any other possible violations will be referred to Best Best & Krieger, LLP for enforcement.

Violations of the Act may be reported to cityclerk@longbeach.gov, cityattorney@longbeach.gov or prosecutor@longbeach.gov.

Media inquiries can be directed to cityattorney@longbeach.gov.