Panel Ends Probe of Ex-Official

The state Fair Political Practices Commission has closed a two-year investigation of former El Segundo Councilman H. R. (Bob) Anderson, saying it found insufficient evidence to substantiate conflict of interest charges.

However, in a letter sent to Anderson and released to the public on Wednesday, FPPC officials told Anderson that he “may have violated the Political Reform Act” and that the violations would be taken into account should he fail to comply in the future.

Anderson is no longer a councilman, having served one term, from 1986 to 1990. A retired maintenance supervisor at the Chevron Oil Refinery in El Segundo, he was accused of a conflict of interest for having participated in council decisions affecting the Chevron facility, such as street maintenance and taxes.

Councilman Scot Dannen filed the complaint against Anderson in January, 1990.

Anderson said that, during his nearly 37 years as a Chevron employee, he bought stock through the company plan that is now valued at around $100,000, but while he was on the council he did nothing to “line his pockets,” as his critics charged. He said that he is relieved that after two years the FPPC case has been closed without action.