There appears to be a concerted effort in the City of Orange to expose what incoming council member Denis Bilodeau did during the recent election, when he was filmed stealing another candidate’s sign.
A website has come online that contains the video footage. It is quite damning.
A full-page ad (see image below) also was published in yesterday’s Orange City News touting the new website. The ad however misspells Bilodeau’s name in the first few lines.
I am told that it is likely that one of the candidates defeated by Bilodeau, Carol Rudat, is behind this campaign. Ironically, Rudat faced charges of being a carpetbagger who did not live in City of Orange, during her campaign.
I understand that Bilodeau is supposedly a good guy – but as a Republican I expect him not to engage in illegal activity. I am extremely disappointed by his actions. He ought to resign in disgrace from the City Council and either the next runner-up ought to be appointed to his seat, or there ought to be a special election.
Running for office is very hard – I know that as I ran for the Santa Ana School Board in 1998. My opponents, John Palacio and Nadia Maria Davis, both raised over $50,000. My signs were taken down three times, and I finally ran out of money to make any more. I cannot tell my readers how discouraging it is to have your signs stolen. That is why loathsome opponents and their supporters do it.
What Bilodeau did was wrong, period. He ought to pay the price and serve as an example to others as to what happens when you go too far to win an election.
I agree that if he removed campaign signs that’s not good but my understanding is that they were not campaign signs but rather unmarked signs saying neg things about an opponant.(did not say who was paying for them or have comm. # as required by law). Art, you should contact Bilodeau and get his side of this. I think you will find he did not do anything illegal. Thanks for the information on a NON santa ana item.
WTF! He got caught! Sounds like Poster #2 believes Clinton did not have sex with that girl.
I believe he was “caught” removing illigal unmarked signs..not campaign signs. I don’t believe any “campaign” signs were removed. I checked out the video on youtube and the only one he nabs is a dumpdenis sign which i think was not legal to post.
This was also mailed out in orange with no return address. Just like the signs. I’m not defending Bilodeau’s stupid sign destruction and he should pay the piper for that but this anonymous hit piece has Rudat written all over it(the same m.o. as the signs). Of course her return address is on her brochure mailed out right after the election for her real estate gig. Orange residents should consider her campaign tactics before signing up with her business.
Isn’t the D.A. prosecuting Biledope?
Bilodeau is too stupid to serve in office if he can’t even steal a sign without being caught.
The Police report indicates that Orange Councilman Jon Dumitru was involved. Was he charged as well? Anyone know?
To poster #2. Could you direct me to the code section that says he could remove the sign? I am sure you are correct but maybe a little proof instead of spin would prove helpful.
#2
Bilodeau is welcome to post his version of the events on the OJ.
I found it refreshing that political candidate Bilodeau removed the Rudat signs because they displayed a negative message about her.
Removal of political signs is not an Orange issue only. This unsavory activity occurs in most cities and that’s what made this story important for all.
I read the police report and spoke to Dumitru about this. He had dinner with Denis earlier in the evening and was not involved in the sign incident.
I beleive the police report only establishs that Denis had been with Dumitru at some point during the evening.
Somebody should just ask Dumitru…I know him really well, and he is a very good solid guy that really doesn’t get caught up in these type of nonsense.
Denis Bilodeau is rumored to be working a plea agreement with the DA to avoid jail time and leaving the council. Has anyone heard this?
its a misdermeanor at best, it wouldn’t result in him leaving the council. My guess of punsihment if conficted, a small fine and making a public apoligy
The word is that Carol Rudat did not receive permission to post the sign from the property owner.. and it was partially in the public right of way. Orange’s Municipal Code says it’s therefore subject to immediate removal. I fail to see what crime was committed.
Oh, then that settles it. Can anyone believe if the above was the truth the DA would file this case? The OCDA must have a pretty good case or they would not have filed it. Denis is a first class worm who is beginning to get what he has so richly deserved over the years. The only question is does he take down Jon Dumitru with him?. And since rumors are flying then lets include the one that the DA is looking into a relative of Bilodeau’s making credit card charges and billing it back to the OC water district.
Oh, can a Bilodeau supporter explain this contridiction: Bilodeau says he took down the sign because it was illegal. If you read the Police Report he denies three times ever taking any sign down? Can someone explain that away?
Oh, that’s easy enough, Denis is a liar. He got caught and he and the other council person should go to jail.
Well ,Well, Well, looks like Denis is up for re-election. I wonder if people still remember the malicious act Denis committed against a fellow opponent. If Denis is so desperate, and empty of an individual to commit such an act, I wonder what he would do with tax payers money when no ones looking?. Denis is just another crooked politician out for the money!!