> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Feinstein’s colleagues react to Green allegations - URL: https://www.smdp.com/feinsteins-colleagues-react-to-green-allegations/ - Published: 2003-02-06T16:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-23T01:30:06.000Z - Author: Andrew Fixmer - Tags: Government & Politics, Santa Monica, #archive-import *Council members defend Mike Feinstein’s integrity* Some are shocked, others are skeptical, but Santa Monica City Councilman Mike Feinstein’s colleagues agree he needs to clear his name. Fellow City Council members said Feinstein should address allegations he deposited more than $30,000 of Green Party campaign contributions into a private bank account at a local credit union. “We (Greens) truly believe in clear and transparent finances,” said Mayor Pro Tem Kevin McKeown, a Green Party member. “And that is why this is so unsettling to us.” McKeown said he doubts Feinstein has done anything illegal, but he said the level of skepticism will only grow if Feinstein doesn’t release the financial statements. “I don’t think Mike meant to do anything wrong,” he said. “I believe he did all of this believing he was acting in the best interest of the Green Party, but after two years we need to straighten it out. “I hope Mike will explain what has gone on, provide the bank records and let this all end,” he added. Feinstein did not return calls Tuesday and Wednesday seeking comment. For the past 18 months, Feinstein has allegedly ignored requests from local party officials to disclose financial statements showing how the money was spent, according to Los Angeles County Green Party members. When Feinstein allegedly began fundraising again for a Green Party convention to be held in Santa Monica later this month, the patience of state Green Party officials ran out. Two state chairs of the California Green Party wrote a letter Jan. 10 that was sent to activists across the country, which stated Feinstein’s convention and fundraising have not been condoned by the state party. The issue has drawn the party’s national attention. A leader of Santa Monicans for Renters Rights — a group that has long-dominated local politics and of which Feinstein is a member — said it would be in Feinstein’s best interest to resolve the matter with the Green Party. 7F2,“Mike was elected to office not because he is a Green but because of his positions on issues,” said SMRR co-chair Denny Zane. “But certainly people will be interested to see any dispute of this sort resolved. Because it certainly has an impact on people’s confidence in him.” Others said the controversy with the Green Party would not likely have an impact on Feinstein’s work on the Santa Monica City Council. “What all of us do outside of City Council, what each of us does is different from each other, and I really don’t see where it intersects with his council responsibilities,” said Mayor Richard Bloom. “Mike is a very honorable, hard-working individual, and whatever is going on within the Green Party, I am quite certain has to do with internal Green Party politics, which I don’t really pay attention to because I’m a lifelong Democrat and much more attune to what goes on in my own party.” But others say any credible accusation of wrongdoing needs to cleared up, though many of Feinstein’s colleagues question the credibility of the Green Party’s allegations. “Anyone would have concerns if there’s truth that it’s a misappropriation,” said Councilman Herb Katz. “There is no truth to those accusations yet.” Both Bloom and Councilwoman Pam O’Connor urge people to not have “knee-jerk” reactions, and that Feinstein is “innocent until proven otherwise.” “Is he the best detail-orientated person? Probably not,” O’Connor said. “But the man has a good heart and he works hard, even though he can be ideologically naive sometimes.” Councilman Bob Holbrook said he was shocked to hear about the Green Party allegations of Feinstein’s actions, and he worries about Feinstein’s political survival. “I don’t know what to say really,” he said. “I would imagine he’s personally devastated. Mike prides himself on being a key leader of the Green Party of California, and it’s his key political base. “If they cut him off,” Holbrook added. “I don’t know what he’s going to do.” *Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 6, 2003.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/020603.pdf?ref=smdp.com)