The State - News from Jan. 29, 1986

A developer who received a personal reference from Gov. George Deukmejian was chosen by Kern County supervisors to build a county welfare complex and lease it back to the county for up to $82 million over 20 years. The vote was 3 to 2 to accept the bid of Mosesian Development Co., headed by Peter Mosesian. He is the son of wealthy Kern County rancher William Mosesian, who contributed $50,000 to Deukmejian’s 1982 gubernatorial campaign. The governor offered a character reference on behalf of the developer in a call to Supervisor Mary K. Shell, who voted against Mosesian’s bid. She told the board that Deukmejian’s call covered several topics and the welfare complex was not specifically mentioned. Deukmejian’s press secretary, Larry Thomas, denied any impropriety.