ORANGE COUNTY PERSPECTIVE : One Word of Advice

Orange County Supervisor Don R. Roth is said to be pondering whether to cast a vote today on a matter involving one of his political supporters. Perhaps we can be helpful: Don’t.

There’s no question that Roth should refrain from voting on a subdivision parcel map--a vote that would constitute final approval for a $5-million condominium project in Midway City on land owned by D & GJ investments, a Laguna Beach partnership owned by the Dougher family. Roth was among those who voted unanimously to approve the project a year ago, and today’s vote is seen as an administrative formality required by state law. But the relationship between the Doughers and Roth that has come to light since last year’s vote makes the vote anything but routine. He shouldn’t have voted on the matter then, and he shouldn’t vote on it now.

In May, the district attorney’s office opened an investigation into whether Roth exchanged political favors for gifts, including an unusual $8,500 interest-free loan and several weekend trips to Santa Catalina from members of the Dougher family. One trip was taken just two weeks before the initial vote.

Roth makes the dubious distinction that the Doughers are friends and not political supporters whose gifts require disclosure under state law. It’s hard to imagine that county lawyers had to advise him that today’s vote might present an appearance of conflict. It’s harder still to understand why he’s agonizing over it. There is no question that Roth should avoid any further question by recusing himself.