Local elected officials reveal gifts received

Once each year Yorba Linda's elected officials--City Council members, school trustees and water board directors, along with the top-level managers and consultants they employ--are required to file documents listing economic interests that could affect their decision-making.

State-mandated disclosures include investments, property interests, income sources and business positions. Filers also must report gifts they've received from sources that might benefit from decisions they make in their public positions.

This year, 229 “statements of economic interests” were filed at the city, Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District and Yorba Linda Water District by an April 1 deadline. The filings aren't currently online but can be viewed at each agency.

My review of the statements shows a smattering of stock holdings and outside business interests listed by fewer than 20 percent of filers, along with family residences and some rental properties they own.

Three city and two water district management employees reported gifts from companies that conduct business with the agencies. None were noted on any of the 99 school district forms.

Gifts can't exceed $440 in value per year from a single source. Items are self-reported by recipients, and failure to comply with regulations could result in a $5,000 fine per violation.

Of 102 city filings, City Manager Steve Rudometkin listed a $65 golf tournament fee from a land developer, Public Works Director Mark Stowell a $180 dinner/dance from a consultant and Community Development Director Steve Harris a $150 golf entry fee from a consultant.

Of 28 water district filings, Acting General Manager Steve Conklin listed $100 baseball tickets and two $15 lunches from consultants and Finance Director Steve Parker a $180 dinner and dance, $180 Dodger tickets, $250 Angel tickets and $345 Red Sox tickets and dinner from a securities firm, bank and two meter companies.

In addition to yearly reports, new employees must file statements when hired, including the new City Manager expected on board soon. Rudometkin, who retired in December, is now working under a six-month contract

Application deadline is May 10, with the search handled by consultants who placed ads in professional publications listing an annual salary of $200,000 to $220,000 “with executive-level benefits and PERS retirement.” Rudometkin was paid $199,000.

Candidates must show “a true passion for public service,” ethical, transparent and engaged leadership, strong financial skills, a record of success with economic development and land use issues and the ability to “maintain the current high morale among city staff,” the ad stated.

Meanwhile, Rudometkin, a longtime resident who began his career as a recreation aide at 19, says he “loves serving the public” and might reactivate his consulting firm. Some community members have expressed hope the consensus-builder will consider a run for council in 2014.