Figure in Honig Probe Reappointed

Gov. Pete Wilson has reappointed Joseph Stein, the conservative Southland developer who as president of the state Board of Education helped prompt the investigation that led to the resignation of former state schools Supt. Bill Honig.

Stein, 62, of Indian Wells, in 1991 asked the state Fair Political Practices Commission and then the attorney general to investigate Honig’s role in the awarding of contracts to a nonprofit company run by Honig’s wife. Although Honig accused Stein of being part of a conservative conspiracy to ruin him because of differences in philosophy, the schools chief eventually was indicted and convicted of felony conflict of interest and forced to give up his office.

Wilson also reappointed Kathryn Dronenburg, 46, of El Cajon, to a position on the board.