Parting ways on issues
Yorba Linda’s worst-kept political secret is the estrangement involving the grassroots political action committee Yorba Linda Residents for Responsible Representation and Councilwoman Jan Horton, who the YLRRR endorsed and worked to elect in 2006.
The latest dispute between some YLRRR board members and Horton concerns the latter’s conflict of interest on certain Town Center redevelopment issues because her home abuts a possible project area labeled Site 13.
Generally, council members can’t cast a vote or participate in discussion on a project, if they have an economic interest within 500 feet. That’s why Horton left the dais when the Town Center Blue Ribbon Committee presented a long-awaited report Feb. 5.
Of course, Horton’s potential conflict was known before her council race, in which she finished first in a field of 10 candidates. She and her husband Jim often spoke of their proximity to the Town Center plan in comments at council meetings in 2005 and 2006.
This column mentioned their residence near the proposed project several times, and the Yorba Linda Star prominently featured the fact in a news story 20 days before balloting.
Jim Horton was a founding YLRRR board member in 2005—when the group’s last “r” stood for “redevelopment”—but resigned soon after his wife assumed her council seat.
The Hortons hope to separate Site 13 from the larger redevelopment area, so Jan Horton can cast votes on the latter and recuse herself on matters within 500 feet of her home.
The vacant parcel, also called the Strawberry Patch, is on the east side of Lakeview Avenue, north of Yorba Linda Boulevard. The Redevelopment Agency could build up to 46 affordable housing units on the nearly five-acre site.
This columnist received 31 e-mails in eight days this month, with much back-and-forth volley from the Hortons and four YLRRR board members, including Bill Davis, who claimed separating Site 13 was “unprincipled and expedient,” adding, “Rules are rules and exist for the governance of even honest officials to assure public trust.”
Jan Horton countered she’s following advice from the Fair Political Practices Commission, noting, “I am following the rules and the appropriate course of action,” and Jim Horton wrote, “Seeking FPPC rulings and segmenting Site 13 are legitimate paths to allow Jan to fully represent those who voted for her and to participate in the process.”
But founding YLRRR board member Ed Rakochy suggested, “Had all Yorba Linda voters been aware of Jan’s conflict of interest, the [2006 council election] results might have been different.”
A FINAL NOTE
YLRRR and Horton have parted ways on other issues, including Horton’s opposition to appointing Hank Wedaa to a vacant council seat and her support of a two-year $32,000 Chamber of Commerce contract and a $21,864 salary increase for the City Manager.
Ironically, Wedaa said he’d serve only the 18 months left on Mike Duvall’s council term if he was appointed, but the pledge was “off the table” if he was elected. He’s already announced his candidacy for a ninth term this November.
The latest dispute between some YLRRR board members and Horton concerns the latter’s conflict of interest on certain Town Center redevelopment issues because her home abuts a possible project area labeled Site 13.
Generally, council members can’t cast a vote or participate in discussion on a project, if they have an economic interest within 500 feet. That’s why Horton left the dais when the Town Center Blue Ribbon Committee presented a long-awaited report Feb. 5.
Of course, Horton’s potential conflict was known before her council race, in which she finished first in a field of 10 candidates. She and her husband Jim often spoke of their proximity to the Town Center plan in comments at council meetings in 2005 and 2006.
This column mentioned their residence near the proposed project several times, and the Yorba Linda Star prominently featured the fact in a news story 20 days before balloting.
Jim Horton was a founding YLRRR board member in 2005—when the group’s last “r” stood for “redevelopment”—but resigned soon after his wife assumed her council seat.
The Hortons hope to separate Site 13 from the larger redevelopment area, so Jan Horton can cast votes on the latter and recuse herself on matters within 500 feet of her home.
The vacant parcel, also called the Strawberry Patch, is on the east side of Lakeview Avenue, north of Yorba Linda Boulevard. The Redevelopment Agency could build up to 46 affordable housing units on the nearly five-acre site.
This columnist received 31 e-mails in eight days this month, with much back-and-forth volley from the Hortons and four YLRRR board members, including Bill Davis, who claimed separating Site 13 was “unprincipled and expedient,” adding, “Rules are rules and exist for the governance of even honest officials to assure public trust.”
Jan Horton countered she’s following advice from the Fair Political Practices Commission, noting, “I am following the rules and the appropriate course of action,” and Jim Horton wrote, “Seeking FPPC rulings and segmenting Site 13 are legitimate paths to allow Jan to fully represent those who voted for her and to participate in the process.”
But founding YLRRR board member Ed Rakochy suggested, “Had all Yorba Linda voters been aware of Jan’s conflict of interest, the [2006 council election] results might have been different.”
A FINAL NOTE
YLRRR and Horton have parted ways on other issues, including Horton’s opposition to appointing Hank Wedaa to a vacant council seat and her support of a two-year $32,000 Chamber of Commerce contract and a $21,864 salary increase for the City Manager.
Ironically, Wedaa said he’d serve only the 18 months left on Mike Duvall’s council term if he was appointed, but the pledge was “off the table” if he was elected. He’s already announced his candidacy for a ninth term this November.
posted by Jim Drummond at 12:00 PM
<< Home