Panel Seeks Stiffer Penalties in Political Payments Case

The state Fair Political Practices Commission has rejected a proposed settlement agreed to by its staff in which Griffin Homes would pay a $26,500 penalty for making political contributions through employees and failing to disclose that the company was the source.

Although the contributions totaled $3,280, commissioners characterized the violations as “very serious” at a meeting in Sacramento on Tuesday, and commission Chairman John Larson called for the maximum fine of $44,000--$2,000 for each of 22 violations.

“I’m sick and tired of the developers buying city councils,” Larson said. “We’ve got to make a stand.”

Last month, an agreement was reached between the developer and the commission’s executive director, Gregory W. Baugher, to settle the case for $26,500. But commissioners said Tuesday that the fine was too low and directed the staff to seek a higher amount.

The 22 contributions, all made between 1985 and 1988, went to six candidates and a political committee, including Moorpark Councilman Bernardo Perez and Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich, a commission report said.

During that time, Griffin Homes, one of Southern California’s largest developers, was seeking permits from the Moorpark City Council to build 494 homes. Griffin has built four residential developments in the city.

With the exception of Antonovich, who accepted $300 last year from a man he later learned was an employee of Griffin Homes, the recipients were unaware that the developer supplied the money for the contributions, the report said.

Lance H. Olson, Griffin Homes’ attorney, said the lack of disclosure was an oversight. The commission’s report contends that it was intentional.

The commission’s action leaves the case unresolved. Sandra Michioku, spokeswoman for the commission, said there could be further investigation or another settlement.

Marion Kiesling, Griffin Homes’ vice president of sales and marketing, said she is disappointed by the commission’s action.

“We went along with what the staff proposed to us,” she said, referring to the commission’s staff. “We did not know that the commission would not accept that. We will continue to cooperate and see what they have to say.”