BY JENNIFER MADRIGAL
Jeff DeGrandpre
Eastvale – With accusations of shady behavior toward unnamed colleagues, councilmember Jeff DeGrandpre abruptly resigned from Eastvale’s City Council, effective July 1, 2014.
The June 25 council meeting progressed like any other, and then came to an awkward end when DeGrandpre stood to read a letter to the council and public expressing his discontent that the council was no longer about the residents of Eastvale. While he did not provide any examples or name names, he accused his colleagues of “engaging in back-door deals” and holding closed door meetings in direct violation of California’s open-meeting law; he then publically resigned his position.
DeGrandpre was first elected to the Eastvale City Council in 2010, serving as the first Mayor Pro Tem, and then as Mayor in 2011-2012.
The recent council meeting was not the first time that DeGrandpre has pointed the finger at his colleagues. In 2013 he accused fellow council member, Kelly Howell, and Eastvale’s Public Information Officer, Michele Nissen, of “abusing funds” during a conference held in Las Vegas that they attended on behalf of the City. Howell posted on a local Facebook page that there “was no need for an investigation – staff provided all financial documents to the City Council at the next meeting”. The request for an investigation was eventually dropped, but not without causing ripples in the City and council. According to Howell, “It was a very difficult time for me and my family”.
William Link, who was selected as a replacement after councilmember Kelly Howell resigned last November, was shocked by DeGrandpre’s announcement. “I was stunned that he resigned. I don’t think anyone knew he was going to. As far as his accusations, I am unaware of the issues he spoke of.”
The ripples and controversy that were provoked by DeGrandpre are expansive. Many residents took to Facebook to express their concerns about the fraud allegations and resignation. Mayor Pro-Tem, Adam Rush, posted, “I am not aware of any illegal meetings, and if they occurred, I am saddened by this. Eastvale will continue to grow smart and provide excellent service to our fabulous community.”
Bill Van Leeuwen, from Mt. SAC, posted, “Jeff, I do not know what is behind this, but it is your decision and I respect that. Thank you for all your work in organizing the city and the leadership you provided. Blessings to you and Deanne as you go forward form this point.”
DeGrandpre’s wife, Deanne, also resigned her position with the Eastvale Chamber of Commerce earlier that same week, stating that the family was moving out of the state.
When asked to further elaborate on what prompted his resignation, DeGrandpre elected not to respond. Regardless of his personal reasons for resigning, he has left a vacant seat on the council that will need to be filled prior to this November’s election. The City must now decide whether to hold a special election, or select a person to serve out DeGrandpre’s term, which will end in 2016.
And what, if anything, will transpire as a result of DeGrandpre’s allegations? That remains to be seen.
K.P. Sander contributed to this story.
