Vernon in the news again

This time it's not Vernon, B.C. but our own city of Vernon. Mayor Leonis Malburg, who has ruled the industrial city for fifty years — that's five-oh — was charged today with voter fraud. Malburg, who is the grandson of Vernon's founder, and the other city council members own most of the homes in Vernon. Most of the 91 residents work for the city. The charges say that Malburg actually lives in plusher surroundings in Hancock Park, not in Vernon, which would make him ineligible to vote or hold office. The DA's office also charged former city administrator Bruce Malkenhorst Sr. with using $60,000 in city money for personal uses.

For a little insight on Vernon, here's the New York Times from August:

Vernon business owners eat at La Villa Basque, owned by Mayor Leonis C. Malburg, who has been on the Council since the Eisenhower administration. The restaurant is next to the Leonis Malburg Building on Leonis Boulevard a few blocks from Malburg Way.