Bid to Oust Political Watchdog Gains Support

Two of the five members of the Fair Political Practices Commission on Friday called on Chairman Ravi Mehta to resign after they viewed his taped comments critical of an initiative that sought to reform politics.

But Gov. Pete Wilson, who appointed Mehta, stood by his appointee, saying Mehta should remain as chairman. The commission cannot fire Mehta. Only the governor, with consent of the state Senate, can force him out.

The commission is responsible for enforcing conflict-of-interest laws, and will help defend in court Proposition 208, the initiative approved by voters in November that seeks to limit campaign donations.

Mehta stirred controversy with a June 20 speech to lobbyists in which he said he believes parts of Proposition 208 may violate the 1st Amendment. In apologetic tones, Mehta told the gathering: “Please forgive us if you believe something is unconstitutional and we have to enforce certain provisions.”

While some backers of Proposition 208 called for Mehta to resign earlier in the week, the comments Friday by two of his fellow commissioners raised the outcry to a new level.

After watching a video of Metha’s speech, Commissioner Bill Deaver concluded that Mehta reflected a “wink-wink attitude” toward the initiative that won with 61% of the vote.

“I have asked Ravi to resign,” said Deaver, a Republican, who was appointed by Secretary of State Bill Jones in February.

Mehta could not be reached for comment, but is battling efforts to oust him. FPPC spokesman Gary Huckaby defended his boss, saying a Times account of Mehta’s speech mischaracterized Mehta’s comments in which he told the audience that he has been called the “eviscerator” of Proposition 208.

Deaver said he made a point of reserving his judgment until he had viewed a copy of the videotaped speech. In an interview with The Times, Deaver said the tone of the speech “was injudicious.”

“I think we have the best system of government in the world and we could lose it unless we take it seriously,” Deaver said. “This is the sort of thing that reduces people’s confidence in the system.”

Deaver was joined by Commissioner Carol Scott, a Democrat.