Countywide : Roth Abstains From 2 More Votes

County Supervisor Don R. Roth, who is under investigation over allegations of influence peddling, abstained from two more government votes Monday because of possible conflicts of interest.

The two-term county supervisor has now abstained from 10 votes since December.

Roth didn’t vote Monday on an Orange County Transportation Authority decision providing funds for local bike and pedestrian paths, including $78,893 for the city of Anaheim. A former Anaheim mayor, Roth has accepted a lifetime golf pass and other gifts from the city and has asked the state to determine whether that poses a conflict for him in voting on city-related business.

Roth’s recent absence from Anaheim matters has worried some city leaders, who say that tough budget times have made it more important than ever to have an effective representative at the county level. But Roth’s chief of staff, Steven E. Malone, said the supervisor is only being cautious.

“That whole matter is being researched,” Malone said. “While we’re awaiting a ruling from the (Fair Political Practices Commission), he’s abstaining from all city matters.”

The 71-year-old supervisor also abstained Monday from an OCTA vote awarding a $5-million contract to Transportation Displays Inc. for bus advertising. The Commerce-based company gave Roth a $450 campaign contribution last June, and state law bans a politician from taking part in decisions affecting anyone from whom the politician has received a campaign contribution of more than $250 within the previous year.

Both the advertising contract and the path funding measure passed the OCTA Board of Directors by 10-0 margins, without Roth’s vote.

The Orange County district attorney’s office is seeking to determine whether Roth exchanged political favors for thousands of dollars in meals, trips, flight upgrades, home improvements, an $8,500 interest-free loan and other unreported gifts. Prosecutors have not brought any charges against Roth, but said in a court filing last month that they suspect him of perjury, theft, obstruction of justice and possible other felonies.

Denying any wrongdoing, Roth has vowed that he will be exonerated and says he will seek reelection next year as one of five county supervisors.