SAN CLEMENTE : Commissioner May Be Asked to Resign
The City Council on Wednesday will consider asking for the resignation of Planning Commissioner Harold Joseph because of ties to a development company with a project under construction in San Clemente, a council member said.
Joseph has acknowledged that he owned more than $10,000 in Centex Development Corp. stock when he voted last November to approve a housing development proposed by the company.
State law prohibits an appointed official from voting on an issue in which a financial interest is held. The Orange County district attorney is investigating whether Joseph’s vote violated the state Political Reforms Act.
Councilman Brian J. Rice said City Manager Michael W. Parness polled council members and all approved requesting Joseph’s resignation. Parness was not available for comment.
The council also will consider changing a city law that prevents it from removing Joseph from office.
City code refers to state laws regarding firing a commissioner. State code does not mention a process for removal, City Atty. Jeffrey M. Oderman said.
Joseph has said that the vote was a mistake but that there was no intentional wrongdoing. He could not be reached.
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