Horn responds to questions about financial disclosures
By: GIG CONAUGHTON - Staff Writer | ∞
SAN DIEGO ---- An "upset" County Supervisor Bill Horn was left apologizing Wednesday for misreporting information on financial disclosure forms and denying insinuations that he has had an improper relationship with his chief of staff.
Horn, a three-time elected county supervisor from Valley Center, issued a four-paragraph statement Wednesday evening ---- but declined to speak on the telephone ---- after a six-minute "expose" aired by KFMB television at 5:30 p.m.
The broadcast alleged, among other things:
The expose also insinuated that Horn, who is married, had lived at the house with Wonsley.
Horn denied that his relationship with Wonsley was anything but that of professionals and friends.
"The accusation that I am or was involved in an inappropriate relationship with my chief of staff is completely untrue," Horn said in his written response. "Joan is a valued employee and friend, and that is all. To make these type of tawdry accusations is hurtful to both our families."
Horn, who is up for re-election against Bruce Thompson for a fourth term in June, labeled the TV report "the worst of election-year politics."
Horn is the supervisor for the county's 5th District, which covers most of North County.
Questions regarding Horn's economic interest disclosure reporting have been brewing for more than a week, centering on his ownership and lease of a million-dollar home in a ritzy neighborhood on Avenida La Cima in Carlsbad.
At the board of supervisors' March 14 meeting, Ian Trowbridge ---- a retired biology professor with La Jolla's Salk Institute who once ran unsuccessfully for a city of San Diego council seat ---- asked Horn in front of TV cameras if he could explain why Wonsley was living in a home he owned, whether other supervisors' chiefs of staff received such "perks," and asked where Horn was living.
After the questions, Horn calmly said that he bought the house in 2003, and offered to let Wonsley lease the home in 2004 with an option to buy it.
Horn forwarded copies of his state-required economic interest disclosure forms to the North County Times. In addition, Wonsley sent a photocopy of the $349,261.38 cashier's check she gave to Horn in 2004 as a down payment on the property, and a log of $2,733.33 monthly rent payments she had paid to Horn since that time.
"I just happened to have a house that was for sale," Horn said after the meeting last week. "And she had sold her condo and didn't have enough money to buy it outright. So she has a right to exercise an option to buy by 2008."
But Horn also said that he did not believe that he was required to list Wonsley's name or the amounts of money that she had paid him on his financial disclosure paperwork.
Horn said he owns several apartment complexes and did not list tenant names or the rental payment amounts he received from them, either.
"I don't have to disclose any of my tenants, or any of my managers," he said. "Frankly, I have every right to some modicum of privacy."
But the instructions for the financial disclosure forms ---- which are required to be filled out annually by all state and local elected officials, and, in some jurisdictions, political staff members such as Wonsley ----- show that Horn was wrong.
A statement in the Fair Political Practices Commission's guide for public officials' reporting requirements said that state law does not require all personal financial information, "such as ownership of a personal residence in most cases."
But the instructions on the disclosure form say that politicians must report all rent from a single tenant that exceeds $10,000 a year. Wonsley's monthly $2,733.33 rent payments would amount to roughly $32,800 a year ---- far exceeding the threshold to require Horn to list Wonsley and the money she paid to him.
Likewise, Horn should have reported the $349,261 down payment that Wonsley paid him in 2004.
In his written statement Wednesday, Horn said he "mistakenly" believed that he did not have to report the down payment because Wonsley's agreement was a "potential" lease option, and that if Wonsley eventually decided not to buy the home, Horn would have repaid the down payment.
He said he has since been told that was incorrect, and that he was hiring new legal counsel to go over his financial disclosure statements.
"I have since retained my own legal counsel with expertise in FPPC rules who has informed me that ... I would need to amend my statement," Horn wrote, referring to the Fair Political Practices Committee. "Anyone who is subject to FPPC regulations knows that they are very complicated and mistakes do happen."
Horn aides said the supervisor did not watch Wednesday's broadcast. And Horn did not address the allegation that he may have violated conflict of interest laws.
He did, however, deny the broadcast report that said neighbors living in Wonsley's neighborhood who requested anonymity said Horn lived in the Carlsbad home with Wonsley and her children in 2004 and 2005.
Last week, Horn also said he did not live in the Carlsbad house.
"I know where I do live," he said. "I live on my ranch with my wife, since 1979 when we built the house."
In his statement Wednesday, Horn said again that his relationship with Wonsley, financial and otherwise, was above board.
Contact staff writer Gig Conaughton at (760) 739-6696 or gconaughton@nctimes.com.
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It's About Time wrote on Mar 23, 2006 12:22 AM:Finally busted Bill! This has been going on for years now! Everyone knows it, it's about time it got the PR it deserves. Way to go NCT! Duke-alike Horn claims to be a rancher...that's hilarious too. What a phony. He may have to actually show up for some debates this campaign instead of ducking them like Duke always did. Bring it on Bill!
Cheryl wrote on Mar 23, 2006 4:16 AM:It's sad that just because Horn's Chief of Staff is a woman that she has to suffer these sorts of accusations. Bruce Thompson should be ashamed of himself for pulling this campaign stunt.
Mary wrote on Mar 23, 2006 7:35 AM:Cheryl...I'm trying to understand your comment how this is the fault of someone else or his opponent's planned stunt. With that logic, I guess you would also say it's Francine Busby's stunt that put Duke Cunningham behind bars. As for Bill Horn...another disgrace and black mark for San Diego. He should resign immediately.
John wrote on Mar 23, 2006 8:01 AM:Wow! Looks real bad here for the Supervisor.
Teri wrote on Mar 23, 2006 8:14 AM:Bill's done a lot for North County but he's made a lot of enemies. These is just smear tactics like we see every election. I'll be voting for Horn again.
San Marcos resident wrote on Mar 23, 2006 8:22 AM:It has been common knowledge that Horn is first and foremost a friend of developers, to the detriment of his greater constituency and their quality of life. QUESTION: ARE ANY OF THE OTHER CANDIDATES ANY DIFFERENT?
No surprise wrote on Mar 23, 2006 9:02 AM:It didn't take long for the Desperate Dems to somehow bring Busby into this, did it, Mary?
Joseph wrote on Mar 23, 2006 9:14 AM:I guess the real question up in the air...Does Bill Horn live at the Carlsbad home? He said he does not yet neighbors say he does.
RON wrote on Mar 23, 2006 9:24 AM:FIFTY BUCKS SAYS THE MONEY CAME FROM THE AIRPORT. YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST.
Macromayhem wrote on Mar 23, 2006 9:35 AM:Busby isn't involved in the least... It's an analogy. Give it a try some times.
San Marcos Gadfly wrote on Mar 23, 2006 9:43 AM:It's about time Bill Horn got his own -- I have never seen any public official as out-of-touch with his constituents! The man will sit there at meetings and openly ignore residents and concerned citizens who speak (particularly at NCTD meetings); is this the kind of county supervisor we want representing our interestes? Do we really want someone who thinks that the Stonegate development on Deer Springs is a good idea, or who thinks that Las Posas should be kept on the circulation element when such a connection will only make life more difficult for the citizens of San Marcos? Horn obviously believes in the almighty dollar over the best interestes of the citizens, and that is the last thing we need. And talk about campaign stunts . . .didn't ol' Bill just file a complaint about Bruce Thompson's ballot designation? That sounds pretty desperate to me . . . . . . . . . 'bout time he started to get a little bit scared.
Truth wrote on Mar 23, 2006 9:48 AM:The Carlsbad neigbors are liars, so is Channel 8 news. This is all just a bunch of lies to attack a decent man and wonderful lady! Democrats are out to get the Supervisor.
Harry wrote on Mar 23, 2006 10:09 AM:No Surprise: Sometimes the things that our mothers told us hold true. "IF THE SHOE FITS, WEAR IT!" and: "YOU MADE YOUR BED, NOW LIE IN IT!" The Cunningham scandal was just the first shoe to drop. The Republican corruption runs deep, from state to state and like fish, "IT ROTS FROM THE HEAD DOWN." "The new broom sweeps clean", so vote for Francine!
fred wrote on Mar 23, 2006 10:10 AM:If rounding up tenants and avos makes you a rancher, what else spins with this suit?
Larry wrote on Mar 23, 2006 10:16 AM:Enron By The Sea, enough said
John wrote on Mar 23, 2006 10:29 AM:What is it with North County politicians and shady real estate deals? I would love to vote for a new supervisor. Horn has been an arrogant and morally righteous idealog who's real interests seem to lie with the rich and powerful. Pride goeth before the fall. It is strange that a faction of those movin and shakin Repubs (Darrell Issa, Ray Haynes, Howard Kaloogian, Mick Pattinson, etc.) have turned on Horn and are backing Thompson - but Bruce is not a viable alternative to Bill for most county residents. The rift in Republican circles is certainly worth a story from the NCTimes - don't ya think?
Ron wrote on Mar 23, 2006 10:51 AM:Horn's story smells pretty bad. He says Wonsley did not have enough money to buy the house yet she gives him $349K down payment? Sorry, but that's not your typical lease option arrangement. Why didn't she simply go get a mortgage with that size of down and buy the house outright? And why did Horn's wife quit claim the deed to house to him indiviually as opposed to holding title jointly? Once a couple of Wonsley's neighbors go on record as to Horn spending the night there, he is screwed.
John wrote on Mar 23, 2006 11:48 AM:Give me a break! I don't live in the 5th district nor do I know this man but this issue seems like a non issue to me. A minor ommission on his financial disclosure does not mean that fraud has been committed. Let's see what changes he makes on his financial disclosure form. As for alluding to some type of relationship with Wonsley, what business is it of ours? Should we investigate the sexuality of the guy running against Horn or perhaps that of his staff members? Let's keep the discussion to issues, not mud slinging.
5th Dist Voter wrote on Mar 23, 2006 12:25 PM:I saw the tv segment, read the newspaper and I am furious that Horn can claim that he has "Christian Family Values" on his campaign brochures. I believe the neighbors in Carlsbad who say he lives there and even told them he is not married. He probably meant he doesn't act married. How can his staff member afford over $2300 a month for rent? What kind of salary does she make? She also declared bankruptcy so how did she pay the $349000 lump sum payment he claims to have received. This whole thing stinks.
John wrote on Mar 23, 2006 12:32 PM:Horn's sexuality is an issue because he was a part of the local Republican efforts to chastise Clinton for his affair with a staff member, and he supported impeachment. Guys like Horn made this a permanent issue. He's also running on a family values platform and he needs to tow that line. At least it was a female staffer that he is accused of having a relationship with. What I want to know is... almost 24 hours later, what is Mrs. Horn waiting for? My wife would be all over the scoundrels trying to tarnish my reputation and she would hit the ground running when the story first broke. Ofcourse, if I had been in another relationship - she would have clobbered me by now.
Patrick wrote on Mar 23, 2006 12:54 PM:As I have said before, politicians are guilty until proven innocent, especailly the one that spout "christian values". Horn is no exception, he will go down fighting, just like Duke.
San Marcos resident wrote on Mar 23, 2006 12:57 PM:John: why are Issa, Kaloogian, Mick, et al turning on Horn? I thought they were all of the same... ilk. Is Horn becoming too unpopular and a liability for their development agenda, or...? I'd really like to know.
Jbabe wrote on Mar 23, 2006 1:03 PM:Horn's wife is NOT defending him because she is most likely consulting a divorce lawyer today.
John wrote on Mar 23, 2006 1:47 PM:To San Marcos resident - Why turn on Horn? I don't know what makes Republicans tick, at least not the Republican politicians in North County. But if you look on Bruce Thompson's web site at who has endorsed him, you will find those names and more. What's up with this? I reall NCTimes wrote an article about Issa backing Thompson and Issa claimed North County needs a stronger voice. I got the impression he meant a stronger mouthpiece that Issa could control. I also recall NCTimes wrote about Horn and other local Republiccan officials criticizing Issa for pinching their pork whne he voted against eramarks in the federal budget. Come on Gig, write a story and tell us what has driven these guys away from Horn. Family food fights like this make good readin'!
Bob wrote on Mar 23, 2006 3:15 PM:Billy...Billy...Billy - another corrupt politician caught yet again. So when's the news conference where you blame the media for your problems Billy? Man the Republicans in this town make Tom Delay look like a Boy Scout. You gotta love the "Christian Values" they spout in public...but behind closed doors.....
No Surprise wrote on Mar 23, 2006 3:50 PM:So Harry, what about Zucchet and Inzunza, both of whom were DEMOCRATS convicted of felony bribery (weenie soft on crime judge throwing out Zucchet's verdict notwithstanding). Does that mean there is a "rotting from the head down" corruption in the Democratic party too? Hmmmm?
Sam wrote on Mar 23, 2006 4:08 PM:Horndogger! Busted!
Rupert wrote on Mar 23, 2006 7:45 PM:To paraphrase Mark Twain, suppose you were a crook and suppose you were a North County Republican, but I repeat myself.
Sean wrote on Mar 23, 2006 9:14 PM:Which staff is she the chief of again?
Fred of Del Mar wrote on Mar 23, 2006 10:27 PM:Not enought information to know whether it is minor errors on a from or worse. Anyone saying otherwise is jumping the gun.
Pete wrote on Mar 23, 2006 11:05 PM:San Marcos, Yes, Thompson is different. I have met his wife Donna and she would not sit still for what Mrs. Horn seems to be standing still for. Thompson is a decent man and we could sure use one on the Board of Sups. I don't care what his poitical party is I am voting for him. Decency and honor are not always values our politicians have but Mr. Thompson reeks of both of them.
Paul wrote on Mar 24, 2006 10:00 AM:Horn needs to take some math classes. Let's see $2,733.33 x 12 is less than 10,000? And he's the County Supervisor??
Horn -et's nest wrote on Mar 24, 2006 12:30 PM:Backroom deals to bedroom deals. When's the auction?
joe wrote on Mar 29, 2006 10:18 AM:Wouldn't it be refreshing if Horn just admitted what he did and ask for forgiveness? I think I'd rather see a human, a real human being fall, than a plastic politician who cares nothing about truth and claims to be a Christian. We all make mistakes, but for let's get real, when do we see true repentence? It's always the same deal with these narcisstic politicians. They think they are above it all. Tell the truth Horn! The truth will set you free! Who knows...you may even win the democratic vote.
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