Roth Promises Exoneration in Conflict Probe

In his first public comments on the scandal that has threatened his career, Orange County Supervisor Don R. Roth predicted this week that he will ultimately be “exonerated” of conflict-of-interest allegations and vowed to seek reelection in 1994.

In an interview on a cable television program airing this week and next in parts of Orange County, Roth said he has been “unjustly accused” of wrongdoing. He blamed his current problems on his ex-wife, a family of onetime political supporters and “a media blitz against me.”

At the same time, however, the two-term supervisor acknowledged the toll taken by ongoing criminal investigations into allegations of influence peddling against him and a spate of media reports.

“It’s really been a very, very difficult thing for me in my heart,” said Roth, whose position as mayor of Anaheim in the 1980s helped him become one of the county’s most powerful politicians. “My integrity and my honesty (are) very, very important to me.”

Since May, the Orange County district attorney’s office has been investigating whether Roth exchanged political favors for gifts from local business people. The FBI says it is probing similar allegations.

The Times has reported that Roth has accepted thousands of dollars in home improvements, flight upgrades, trips and meals, as well as an $8,500 loan and other items from local business people in recent years.

Roth did not report any of those items as gifts on state-required disclosure statements. He has also voted on several county matters affecting the donors, representing possible violations of state conflict-of-interest law, experts say.

In an interview with The Times in April, Roth defended his acceptance of an $8,500 rental deferral and three trips to Santa Catalina Island from a family of mobile-home park owners who have supported him politically and had business before the county last December.

Since that time, however, he has refused to discuss questions about his potential conflicts of interest, referring all public comment to his lawyers and his aides.

On the independently produced “Networking USA” community affairs program, Roth said he had remained silent on advice of his lawyers but was speaking out for the first time to defend his reputation.

During the show, airing in parts of south and central Orange County, Roth discussed a range of budgetary and planning issues. He brought up the criminal probe when asked by interviewer Michael Nason, a consultant to the Rev. Robert H. Schuller, about his political future.

Roth noted that he has not yet been contacted by authorities as part of their probe.

“I feel that I’ve been unjustly accused, and I’ve not had an opportunity to have my day in court,” Roth said. “I’m looking forward to the day when I can say, ‘This is it. What’s the problem area?’ ”

Roth was not asked about--and did not discuss--any of the specific allegations against him. Instead, he said the controversy was “triggered” by a “a very bitter divorce” from his ex-wife, Jackie Roth, an ongoing lawsuit between mobile-home park owners Gerard and Donald Dougher over the family business, and the media.

Roth predicted that he will be able to clear his name nonetheless--and continue his political career. Citing the “overwhelming” support from his constituents, he vowed: “I’m going to run for reelection.”

Roth is not up for reelection until 1994, but his political future has been the focus of widespread speculation since the start of the criminal investigations. Some observers have suggested that Roth might resign his county seat or promise not to seek reelection to avoid criminal prosecution.

“If Don says he’s running, that’s what he’ll do,” said Irv Pickler, an Anaheim city councilman. “I think there’s a lot of people in Anaheim who think he’s done a really good job.”

Republican political consultant Scott Hart of Laguna Beach said Roth could make a legitimate run for reelection in 1994, despite the adverse publicity. “Voters have a very short memory, and as you know, the election is two years away,” he said.

Roth declined to discuss the issue apart from the cable program.

“He still has no comment, and he intends to keep it that way,” said chief of staff Steven E. Malone.