Horn's accessibility drawing fresh complaints

North County supervisor says he's busy and that his staff is always available

By EDWARD SIFUENTES and DARRYN BENNETT - Staff Writers | Saturday, April 12, 2008 5:05 PM PDT ∞

NORTH COUNTY ---- Among some of his constituents, San Diego County Supervisor Bill Horn has developed a reputation over the years for being unreachable and inaccessible.

Members of two planning commissions and a neighborhood group are renewing the grievance, saying they have been routinely snubbed by Horn, whose district includes much of North County.

It's a complaint that has echoed for years. Horn says he is busy and can't meet with everyone in his district and that members of his staff are available to meet with constituents.

"I could waste hours a day with people who want to come in and complain," Horn said. "I just can't do that."

While Horn maintains he is often too busy to meet with everyone who wants to see him, his daily appointment calendar indicates the opposite.

A review by the newspaper of county supervisors' daily calendars from July through February shows Horn's weekly schedule had 71 weekdays where he had no meetings scheduled. The calendar shows several stretches of consecutive days with no meetings or appearances of any kind listed.

Members of an Escondido area neighborhood group say Horn has repeatedly refused in recent weeks to sit down with them to discuss their objections to a storage complex that developers want to build.

Horn's chief of staff, Joan Wonsley, said in late February that he was simply too busy to meet with the group. But Horn's calendar that month had 10 weekdays blank, including the last Thursday and Friday of the month.

Booked

While Horn's daily calendar for the eight-month period reviewed by the newspaper showed long stretches with no meetings, Dianne Jacob, who's district includes parts of North County, had 22 days with no meetings. Jacob's district includes Poway, Ramona and much of rural East County.

In a telephone interview Wednesday, Horn said his calendar is often blank simply because many of his appointments, meetings and events he attends aren't recorded.

"I don't write everything down," Horn said. The calendar is "a planning document, not a diary."

Horn said he often attends community events, such as car shows and farmers markets, without making note of them. He also said he often travels to represent the county on state and national associations and to lobby in Sacramento.

Few community events, however, appear on his daily calendar for the eight-month period the newspaper examined.

His workweeks can often extend into Saturdays, but he generally avoids working on Sundays to be with his family, he said.

Meeting demanded

Rather than meeting with Horn, members of the Bear Valley Rural Neighbors Association, the group opposing the Escondido area storage complex, were invited to meet with his staff.

Association spokesman Mark Edmonds says he was simply told that Horn was too busy to meet.

Edmonds says that's not good enough and that he wants to meet with Horn and not his staff.

"The bottom line is, Horn makes the decisions," he said. "Why can't I talk with him personally? I'll take whatever time with him I can get ---- however many months down the line it is. But he has continued to blow (the group) off."

Horn, who lives in Valley Center, represents the county's Fifth District, which stretches from Carlsbad to Camp Pendleton and east to the Imperial County line. It covers nearly 1,800 square miles, includes four cities and a population of about 650,000.

Much of the district is unincorporated county land, which means it is governed by county rules and subject to supervisors' land-use decisions. For people living in unincorporated communities in the district, Horn is their representative in county government.

Keith Simpson, a former chairman and current member of the Valley Center Planning Group, said he's often had problems reaching Horn.

"During my years as the chairperson for the Valley Center Planning Group, I periodically reached out to Mr. Horn, but his staff blocked access," Simpson said. "It wasn't that our communication was limited ---- he never talked with me or with the planning group in any way."

Bonsall Sponsor Group member Mark Lintner said he also rarely sees Horn at meetings or community events other than the annual one-day Fallbrook Avocado Festival.

When it comes to meeting with any of his constituents, the 65-year-old Horn said he follows a process. Anyone requesting a meeting is asked to call his office and speak to the receptionist, who will guide the call to the appropriate member of his staff.

The staffer will try to resolve the matter or forward the constituent to Wonsley, Horn said. Wonsley is in charge of arranging a meetings if they are warranted, he said.

"That's why I have staff," Horn said. "That's why I pay staff."

Elected officials are not generally required to keep precise calendars of their appointments, but it is good policy to keep one, said Peter Scheer, executive director of the California First Amendment Coalition, an open government watchdog group.

Scheer said it is especially important for elected officials to make themselves available to the public as much as possible, and to be transparent about whom they meet with.

"The reason we have local elected officials is so that people can talk to them," Scheer said. "Otherwise, they are not being represented."

'Bill doesn't have time'

Not everyone in Horn's district agrees that he's often unreachable.

Bob Leonard, executive director of the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce, said Horn is reachable, often attending meetings in Fallbrook and community events such as the annual Avocado Festival.

"How much more accessible can you be?" Leonard asked, referring to the popular festival that attracts as many as 70,000 people each year.

Leonard said he understands that Horn has to rely on his staff to attend to his constituents.

"Bill doesn't have time to meet with anybody and everybody on everything," Leonard said. "Some people think that's shunning them. To me, that's handling his time."

Margarette Morgan, chairwoman of the Bonsall Sponsor Group, said she has good access to Horn's staff. But personal meetings with Horn have been rare, she said.

"It's a process to meet with Bill," she said. "You have to deal with the fact that he's not available 24/7. I work through the ranks and through (chief of staff) Wonsley."

She said Horn doesn't attend the group's monthly meetings but has initiated changes in the group's leadership when he found it necessary. Horn appoints the sponsor group's members.

Now serving his fourth four-year term as supervisor, Horn beat former state Assemblyman Bruce Thompson, a fellow Republican, in a June 2006 election. Horn received 52 percent of the vote compared with Thompson's 47 percent.

During the campaign, Thompson said the supervisor had a reputation for treating constituents "like he was king and they're the servants."

No visibility

Horn deflected criticisms during the 2006 campaign, calling them personal attacks. He also criticized the news media for reporting the attacks, which he said was the reason why the race was close.

"My opponent got personal, and you guys spent all your time whacking at me," Horn said at the time.

Last year, Horn was also criticized by some constituents because of his lack of visibility during the October wildfires that burned large parts of his district. The supervisor rarely participated in the televised news conferences attended by other local representatives.

When asked about it, Horn's spokesman, John Culea, told San Diego CityBeat: "His constituents knew where he was."

On Nov. 2, Horn released a "diary" outlining his whereabouts during the fires. The document said he visited various parts of his district and was in contact with emergency officials throughout.

"While others grandstand, I've always believed that my place was on the field," Horn wrote.

The California First Amendment Coalition's Scheer said that how politicians communicate with the public is a matter of individual style.

"My preference is for politicians that meet with the people they represent, but it's not a surprise that some politicians seek groups that are supportive and avoid those that disagree," he said.

In an public announcement released via e-mail Thursday, Horn outlined the procedures to contact him.

"I welcome input from community groups, individuals, businesses, schools, charitable organizations ---- the more information you can provide me through my staff, the better it helps me reach decisions that are in the best interest of our county," Horn wrote in the release.

Contact staff writer Edward Sifuentes at (760) 740-3511 or esifuentes@nctimes.com. Contact staff writer Darryn Bennett at (760) 740-5420 or dmbennett@nctimes.com.

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23 comment(s)[-]Go to Top

CROIT wrote on Apr 12, 2008 5:20 PM:Horn is a bloated, arrogant minor politico who is way too full of himself. It's past time to replace him with someone who cares about his constituents and is respectful of them. Hey Rocky (Chavez)(Oceanside City Council Member) how about you running for county supervisor when the time arrives? Looks like you're going to be in the race for Mayor, but you'd be a good supervisor. Think about it.

The new Republican Mentality wrote on Apr 12, 2008 6:11 PM:Horn has adopted the new Republican mentality that the best form of government is impersonal government. No wonder he is so out of touch with his constintuets, he thinks his incompetent staff were elected to the office of County Supervisor.

What the..... wrote on Apr 12, 2008 6:39 PM:Why would appointed individuals care to personally meet with Bill Horn? Bill Leonard and Ms. Morgan likely agree with Bill Horn on everything he does in the county, if they disagree with Horn he will no longer fund their organzations or he will replace them as he has done in the past. The people who want to meet with Horn want to discuss differences and work on a compromise to his self-serving policies and decisions. But that is not the way Horn works. If he wants to push through development plans in unincorporated areas then that is what will happen; no wonder he doesn't like to talk with community planning groups, being deaf and dumb suits his interests. I would argue that the reason why Horn doesn't write down all of his appointments is not because of the reason he gave in the article but because he is hiding things that he doesn't want his constinuents to know. Remember the illegals on his property and the non-disclosure of Joan Wonsleys house, both things that eh was forced to disclosed and that were uncovered. I hope people will not forget that all politics is local and this man needs to go next time (hopefully retire).

Daja Vu wrote on Apr 13, 2008 4:01 AM:These complaints are an echo of those preceding the downfall of Duke Cunningham. It is a pattern that we need to watch. When politicians make themselves inaccessible to their constituents, they need to step aside. We don't want to do this again. Horn has issues and they aren't ours.

Karl wrote on Apr 13, 2008 6:48 AM:I met the man a couple of years ago and he gave me all the time I needed and was very helpfulnm. If the above blogs are true, he has either changed considerably in the last twoo years, or the bloggers are left wingers complaining just because he is a Republican.

NCT is biased, period. wrote on Apr 13, 2008 7:25 AM:Isn't there something more pressing in the news than Supervisor Horn not being able to meet with a guy who refuses to speak with his staff members? Is Supervisor Horn's lack of spare time really what people care about? He's an elected official with a gigantic district - he has a staff so he can maximize his time. He's done a fine job for North County over the years, and his staff obviously has contributed to that. Chill out North County Times!

Jo wrote on Apr 13, 2008 7:29 AM:I believe this story to be very accurate. I live in Oceanside and am very active in many organizations. I attend events for the museum of art, Mission, Women's Resource center, Tri-City Hospital and more. I have never seen Bill Horn at any event in 10 years. He needs to retire and let someone represent us that wants to see us.

Disappointed 2 wrote on Apr 13, 2008 8:19 AM:I concur. I emailed and sent a letter to Mr.Horn last year re the impending water rationing for growers asking for his support, etc. I never received a response, not even an electronic response, "Thank you for your...". I wonder if he has to cut down his trees to conserve water. And thank God for that Avocado Festival meet and greet. That's really where people give input.

LAWSON............ wrote on Apr 13, 2008 9:45 AM:I have found that Bill Horn is very accessible and has great constituent service. Case in point: I asked Horn's office to attend a meeting in Oceanside on one day's notice and John Culea attended.
I have worked in an elected offical's and
know good constituent service..........

Bye horn wrote on Apr 13, 2008 9:52 AM:Lets see those wanting meeting are just complainers, not concerned citizens. his daily logs are just reminders, not a diary, will, they should be. Wake up people, even a blind man can see what is going on here, isn't this something the grand jury should look at? It's my opinion that this guy looks like a horses hind leg. Course then again, he is a politician. Why do we treat them as they are something special??

John wrote on Apr 13, 2008 9:56 AM:Can anyone name ANY County Supervisor in ANY COUNTY, where they are accessable? Has anyone ever been in a county supervisor's OFFICE (either a district one, or in downtown San Diego?). I have been in the offices of Senators, Congressman, state legislators, and have even MET some of these individuals, both in and out of their offices, but a county supervisor? These idiots think they are "above people". They need to be CUT DOWN A WHOLE LOT! Someone needs to find out where they live, and "access them" there. Maybe they are more accessable at their homes? Who knows?

Anti-neocon wrote on Apr 13, 2008 10:29 AM:The only thing that that really interests Horn is his money interests. The land developers in the area love him and he somehow finds the time to accommodate them. But then again, what should one expect from a sold out right-wing neocon? The people who live in this area and who vote for the likes of him and expect something good to happen are not too bright to say the least.

Cynic wrote on Apr 13, 2008 11:01 AM:Supervisor Horn's quote, "That's why I have staff...That's why I pay staff..." reveals a keen misunderstanding of the infrastructure of his position. We taxpayers, not the Supervisor, pay the salaries of his staffers. He uses our money to keep us from disturbing him with the issues we elected him to address. He hides behind such cliches as being "on the field" - whatever that means - rather than communicating with his constituents during the fires. Would he deign to tell us exactly where he was during those fires? Many of us were in gymnasiums handing out food and blankets to displaced folks. Where was he? Please, NCT, follow up on this story. Investigate his travel to "represent the county," etc.

Solution wrote on Apr 13, 2008 11:47 AM:Let's divide the county up some more and get real representation by having 2-3 additional supervisors. This Horn guy is unhelpful, inaccessible and full of self-congratulations. And that's just what we know about..how about some in depth reporting on this guy and his affairs?

Twin Oaks Valley Resident wrote on Apr 13, 2008 12:16 PM:All I know is that suddenly a 250,000 square foot plus Mushroom Factory sprouted up overnight in Twin Oaks Valley forever blighting the beautiful valley and its views. This Factory does not belong here!

Good Job NCT wrote on Apr 13, 2008 1:50 PM:To Karl: Duh, of course Horn gave you "all the time" you needed a "couple of years ago"- he was running for his life against Thompson! NCT should compare Horn's calendar 8 months prior to that election with these last 8 months! To CROIT: Rocky is a big supporter of Horn, why would he run against him? Whoever posted as "What the.." above is RIGHT ON: people who praise Horn are either appointed by him or get a portion of OUR $2 Mil tax dollars from his discretionary funds- AKA "the incumbent protection fund". NCT should keep holding this old man's feet to the fire and maybe if we're lucky, he'll retire.

Karl wrote on Apr 13, 2008 2:33 PM:It's Bush's fault.

CROIT wrote on Apr 13, 2008 2:55 PM:to Good Job NCT: "Rocky is a big supporter of Horn, why would he run against him?" Duhh, well in case you haven't heard, Rocky has been sending out vibes for months about running for Supervisor. Where have you been? On Mars? Rocky supports Horn only insofar as Rocky needs Horn. After that....hey it's POLITICS dude. Political alliances and friendships evaporate quickly when they are no longer USEFUL. I don't believe that those who support Horn are ALL either appointees of his or feeding at his trough. Horn has the savvy to know how to stay in office as long as he wants. And he will. An incumbent Supervisor is almost impossible to dislodge. Slick fliers and mass mailings and money do wonders with the 20% of the electorate who even bother to vote at all. Most aren't really interested who is Supervisor, they just assume that an incumbent is OK or he wouldn't have been elected in the first place. Rocky's not going to run for Supervisor, YET. He will though, when the time is right. He'd deny it now of course so as not to throw cold water on his bid to become Mayor of Oceanside.

2 solution wrote on Apr 13, 2008 3:05 PM:You are right. While SD county's population has soared - the number of supervisors has stagnated. Rather than increasing unelected staff to manage constituents, the citizens of this county should an initiative on the ballot to increase the number of elected supervisors. Breaking up the clique in county government would create more direct representation and competition. That would be good for San Diego County.

Cal wrote on Apr 13, 2008 3:20 PM:Answer to John @ 9:56. In counties with smaller populations (like Shasta pop. 181,380 or Sierra pop 3,400) - you can still have breakfast at the local diner with a county supervisor. No need for a pre-screened office visit to get access to the local government. With a ration of almost 625,000 constituents per supervisor in San Diego this is almost impossible. We need to restructure our ratio here to cut out the paid middle men and get more local and direct representation.

Uncle Remus wrote on Apr 13, 2008 3:49 PM:Great story! Horn is aloof and arrogant, and seems to regard his office as some sort of sinecure. The quote was telling..."I pay my staff..." WHAT HUBRIS!What the heck was he thinking? WE, the taxpayers, pay his staff! It's time for this jerk to get out of Dodge!

In the field wrote on Apr 13, 2008 11:34 PM:I wonder if there's a way to put more supervisors in rural areas. Maybe divide the districts differently, so that three supes have all the rural areas. Right now, I think Horn and one other supe have all the rural areas. City residents probably need less attention from supes than rural residents do, because the cities have their own councils.

Bob wrote on Apr 14, 2008 2:05 PM:If the article alleged private meetings of members of two planning commissions and a neighborhood group with a Supervisor, would anyone consider the Brown Act might have been violated? Land Use decisions should be made in open public meetings. Land Use in the unincorporated county has a Planning or Sponsor Group providing recommendations to the County Department of Planning and Land Use. If either side is not satisfied they can appeal to the County Planning Commission. If either side is still not satisfied they can appeal to the County Board of Supervisors.

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