On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, the Poway City Council voted to censure District 2 Councilmember Tony Blain following accusations of bribery, vote-trading, and intimidation tactics. This marks the first censure in the city’s 45-year history.
According to a memorandum supporting the censure resolution, Blain allegedly threatened a recall effort against a colleague who did not vote in alignment with his preferences. He is also accused of using law enforcement to silence critics, including constituents, and of blocking or bullying individuals on social media platforms.
In response to the censure, Blain denied the allegations, labeling them as political retaliation from Mayor Steve Vaus. He accused the mayor of corruption, stating, “This is all political lies and retaliation from Mayor Vaus who takes millions of dollars from battery plants and developers then votes YES on their developments — he is CORRUPT and Poway residents will VOTE NOV 2025 and 2026.”
Blain, who assumed office in December 2024, was absent from the council meeting during the censure vote. Mayor Vaus criticized his absence, stating, “Your absence here speaks louder than words… you cannot run and hide from this censure resolution. You have brought it upon yourself.”
A censure serves as a formal reprimand and does not result in removal from office. The Poway City Attorney noted that some of Blain’s actions toward colleagues are “likely criminal in nature.”
