COSTA MESA : Conflict-of-Interest Code Put Into Effect

A new law governing a city official’s conduct when accepting money from people who have votes pending before the City Council went into effect last week after election results were certified by the council.

Voters overwhelmingly approved Measure V, which created a new set of provisions governing conflict of interest. The measure was added to the ballot after concerns were raised regarding former Councilman Orville Amburgey’s acceptance of $1,000 from the owner of Henry and Harry’s Goat Hill Tavern shortly after he voted in favor of allowing the bar to keep its operating permit.

Amburgey was a strong supporter of the beleaguered tavern and continued to vote to allow owner Robert Zeimer rehearings after the council refused to renew its operating permit.

The new provisions expand the definition of conflict of interest to include receiving a campaign contribution of $500 or more for up to a year before any matter concerning the contributor is considered by the council.

In addition, the ordinance makes it a violation for a council member to accept or solicit a contribution of $500 or more from anyone with a project pending before the council and for three months after the council votes on the project.

Any council member found in violation of the conflict-of-interest code can be removed from office.