COUNTYWIDE : Slates Reprimanded for Fund-Raiser Role

In a terse and scolding letter to Planning Commissioner Roger Slates, Orange County Supervisor Harriett M. Wieder has requested that he submit a written statement detailing his involvement in reportedly soliciting funds for an Assembly candidate from developers who have projects pending before him.

The letter, released Thursday, recounts a telephone conversation that Wieder had Sunday with Slates, whom she appointed to the Planning Commission last year.

“I really gave him a tongue-lashing. The whole thing was stupid. . . .” Wieder said in an interview. “I told him I wanted him to put everything he told me in writing.”

The Times reported last week that Slates helped host a dinner on behalf of 58th Assembly District candidate Peter von Elten. The affair was held in a private dining room at a Trabuco Canyon restaurant owned by Planning Commission Chairman Stephen A. Nordeck. The article quoted several of those who attended as saying that both commissioners urged guests--including representatives of some South County developers--to contribute to von Elten’s campaign.

State law prohibits members of appointed boards or commissions from soliciting campaign contributions of $250 or more from individuals who have matters pending before them.

Nordeck has strongly denied soliciting any funds or taking part in the dinner; Slates has repeatedly declined to comment.

Wieder said she would not disclose what Slates told her about the evening until he submits his written explanation. She said that in her 12 years as a supervisor, however, this is the first time she has made such a request.

In her letter to Slates dated May 21, Wieder wrote: “Our discussion relative to the evening at the Trabuco Oaks Restaurant held last Tuesday and your related involvement was explained by you to me in detail.

“As I told you, it was totally inappropriate and poor judgment for you to have been involved in such a political activity. As a county planning commissioner, you hold a very sensitive and responsible public role that cannot be tarnished in any way.”

Supervisor Gaddi H. Vasquez said Thursday that he also has talked to Nordeck, whom he appointed to the commission last year. He said that Nordeck’s behavior demonstrated a “lapse of judgment” that “should not have been allowed to occur.” Vasquez said he questioned Nordeck earlier this week about the dinner and that Nordeck continued to deny involvement beyond being present on and off throughout the evening in his capacity as owner of the restaurant.

Vasquez said, however, that since that conversation, additional questions about Nordeck’s involvement have been raised and that he plans to interview the commissioner again. Vasquez declined to elaborate.

“I would say in my opinion there was a lapse of judgment,” Vasquez said, “because I feel it is very important to strive to preserve a level confidence that is essential in public office.”

Both commissioners are reportedly on vacation this week and could not be reached for comment Thursday.