TEMECULA: State officials to probe conflict of interest allegations against two councilmen
Fair Political Practices Commission is investigating complaints
By NICOLE SACK - Staff Writer | ∞
TEMECULA ---- The Fair Political Practices Commission has determined it will investigate conflict of interest allegations recently filed against two city councilmen.
Roman Porter, executive director of the commission, said letters were sent out Monday informing Temecula City Councilman Jeff Comerchero and Mayor Mike Naggar that it will look further into the complaints filed against them by Volker Lutz, a member of Rescue Temecula, a community activist group.
The complaint against Comerchero alleges he voted with City Council colleagues to acquire property in which he had a financial interest, an accusation Comerchero contends is without foundation. Naggar said he is unaware of the basis for the complaint against him.
The commission's letter warns against drawing any conclusions from its decision to investigate.
"Please be advised that we have not made any determinations about the validity of the allegation you have made or about the culpability if any, of the person(s) you identified," Porter wrote in the letter dated Oct. 6 to Lutz. It was also copied to Comerchero and Naggar.
The commission, created by the Political Reform Act of 1974, investigates among other things alleged violations of financial conflicts of interest and campaign finance laws, imposes penalties when appropriate, and assists state and local agencies in developing and enforcing conflict-of-interest codes.
Porter said the commission receives hundreds of complaints each year and the organization must respond within 14 days to each complainant.
Lutz's complaints, signed under penalty of perjury, were received by the commission on Sept. 22. He could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
Porter said that once an investigation is launched on a complaint, information from the investigation is not subject to public disclosure until the final determination is reached, at which time all parties will be notified.
Comerchero said that from what he understands of the process, most conflict-of-interest complaints are treated seriously and are frequently looked into once a complaint is filed.
"From everything I understand, this is par for the course," he said.
Comerchero, president of The Rancon Group, said he has personally hired an attorney to represent him as the investigation occurs.
Lutz's allegations against Comerchero center on the City Council's 2003 purchase of land in Old Town.
At the Dec. 16, 2003, meeting, the council voted in favor of buying various land parcels from individual property owners, some of whom were represented by a real estate agent who worked for Rancon Real Estate Inc. The real estate agent received a commission for the sale.
At the time of the vote, Comerchero was working as a consultant for The Rancon Group.
Comerchero maintains that The Rancon Group and Rancon Real Estate are separate entities and said he is confident the investigation will lead to the determination that there was no conflict of interest with his actions.
Founded in 1971 under the name Rancho Consultants, The Rancon Group has grown to become one of the largest residential housing developers in Southwest County.
Comerchero said The Rancon Group is a collection of separate limited liability companies that pay him a fee for his work. He said the only thing the group and the real estate corporation have in common is that they share the name Rancon and the oversight of Daniel Stephenson, who is the founder of both.
"'Tell the truth and trust the people' ---- I've never felt more confident of that phrase than I do now," Comerchero said.
Naggar said Tuesday that he has not seen the complaint filed against him, and does not know what is being alleged. The Californian has not yet received a copy of the complaint. Naggar, who was first elected to the council in 1999, is seeking re-election in November.
Naggar said he believes the complaints were not filed in the interest of the public good, but rather for the self-interest of a vengeful developer.
He believes De Luz resident Al Rattan, a frequent City Council critic, is behind the complaint filed with the commission.
Rattan has had business dealings in Old Town Temecula and has been a fixture at council meetings along with others critical of the council. He and the other critics have repeatedly questioned the integrity of the council members, especially those who have business dealings with The Rancon Group.
"This is all about Al Rattan and him getting even for not getting his project approved ---- and using the legal system to retaliate," Naggar said. "I've dealt with disgruntled developers in the past, and this is exactly how we'll treat this. It is a great opportunity to expose Mr. Rattan."
In 2006, Rattan, the president of Renaissance Ventures, sought to purchase property for a housing project on Pujol Street. The city and the developer could not agree on the terms, and the project was abandoned.
Rattan, however, scoffed at those sentiments.
"What does this have to do with me?" Rattan asked Tuesday. "First of all, I didn't file the complaint. There is nothing in (the complaint) addressing Al Rattan's grievances with Old Town. This is typical Mike Naggar mantra. I call it the OJ defense, which means let's not deal with the issues."
Rattan said he was a member of Rescue Temecula, but on Tuesday he declined to comment on his current status with the organization.
Rescue Temecula, which has not registered as a political action committee, is described on its Web site as a group of residents whose goal is to ensure the city government represents the residents without inappropriate influence from commercial interests.
Contact staff writer Nicole Sack at (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2616, or nsack@californian.com.
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Good Men wrote on Oct 8, 2008 12:09 AM:Comerchero and Naggar have given selflessly to make Temecula a great place to live. This investigation will clear their good names. Temecula doesn't need rescuing from a bitter Rattan and his cronies. The truth will set the councilmen free and hopefully Rescue Temecula will just go away.
Preservationist wrote on Oct 8, 2008 12:10 AM:Comerchero is the CEO of the Rancon Group. They're may be several divisions of that allegedly fine organization, but as CEO, Comerchero is in charge of the whole shooting match. The only one above him happens to be the founder of the company, who is listed as chairman.
GOOD wrote on Oct 8, 2008 6:07 AM:IT'S ABOUT TIME.
Ahhh wrote on Oct 8, 2008 6:35 AM:Same old political tactics - cast a negative shadow over the ones who accuse you of wrong doing! If you are truthful and trust the people Mr. Comerchero, then you should welcome this inquiry to resolve the issue once and for all. Be a big boy and accept the fact that having Dan Stephenson at the command of all of these companies that are 'separate' is really looking fishy to the voters, especially since he is ultimtely responsible for giving you your pay check. If you are truly innocent and there is truly a separation of powers, then there won't be a problem. But until then - there's an old saying - 'where's there is smoke, there is fire'.
MORE wrote on Oct 8, 2008 6:44 AM:there is more to come.
Does anyone think . . . wrote on Oct 8, 2008 7:27 AM:that if Rattan's failed project had gotten approved, we would be here today?
That is how you are connected to this, sir.
Less wrote on Oct 8, 2008 7:31 AM:There is less to come.
conflict wrote on Oct 8, 2008 7:37 AM:get rid of all of them
Now we know wrote on Oct 8, 2008 7:42 AM:Why Naggar and Washington both looked really nervous last night at the candidates forum. It was great to hear fresh voices, and strong voices of opposing opinion, even in the face of Naggars bullying tactics. I will NOT be voting for ANY incumbants!!!
to less wrote on Oct 8, 2008 7:43 AM:keep watching, you may be next.
to mike wrote on Oct 8, 2008 7:48 AM:Mike please step down, we do NOT need your kind in this down and take your friends with you, PLEASE DO THAT.
Bill at FVE wrote on Oct 8, 2008 8:20 AM:Chuck did a great job at the forum and spoke like a professional.
To Bill wrote on Oct 8, 2008 8:51 AM:This is not the article about the forum. And yes we know you support the entire city council, your lively hood depends upon it.
Bill at FVE wrote on Oct 8, 2008 9:09 AM:Whoops, wrong article, sorry. :(
No More Bullies wrote on Oct 8, 2008 9:56 AM:To the council bullies, your time has come to leave office and let others who are not self-serving lead the city. Your greed has been exposed, so please just step down graciously while you still have money in your pockets. You have accomplished your personal financial goals so get out before the legal fees mount.
Compromise wrote on Oct 8, 2008 11:40 AM:There is more or less to come.
Less is more wrote on Oct 8, 2008 12:01 PM:Less to come would be more for me. I hope there is more of the less..to come.
Less is more wrote on Oct 8, 2008 12:01 PM:Less to come would be more for me. I hope there is more of the less..to come.
More is less wrote on Oct 8, 2008 12:03 PM:Less is more, more or less will likely, possibly come.
To Do You Think re Rattan wrote on Oct 8, 2008 1:11 PM:Yes I do.
Less is More More is Less wrote on Oct 8, 2008 1:14 PM:Gibberish
Amazed wrote on Oct 8, 2008 1:34 PM:the more i have the less i want.
Let The Wheels Turn wrote on Oct 8, 2008 2:26 PM:I have my own opinion of the FPPC filings. I believe they are needed to bring out transparency that has been lacking in Temecula politics. These actions may clear up some of the undercurrent that permiates City Government. Whatever the verdict of the inquiries are,questions will remain.
This City Government has not been open in its actions,and has not been totally upfront with its Citizens. The City Hall is a huge project, but according to Mayor Naggar, last night,the average citizen should not be concerned or be bothered with such a complicated matter . It would just slow down the inevatable building of the palace.
Public oversight is not necessary on this huge project.The developers and Government will take care of it. Seems to me that's what got us into to our National mess. People must be involved in large multi million dollar tax payer investments that these folks make in our name, for our own good.
Ole Doc Pane
To Amazed wrote on Oct 8, 2008 2:28 PM:Stll Gibberish, I'm amazed.
Less or more wrote on Oct 8, 2008 2:41 PM:You say more, I say less, less is often more for less. Do you agree; more or less?
Funny wrote on Oct 8, 2008 2:42 PM:99% of the posts in regards to this story are people making-fun or just joking around. Tells me how much anyone really cares about this rubbish; about ZERO PERCENT. Good, 99% of the people are right in my opion- WHO CARES!
to amazed wrote on Oct 8, 2008 2:57 PM:The more I want...the more I want...the more I want....
I want.. wrote on Oct 8, 2008 3:25 PM:...less of my stuff, but I want more of your stuff!
To Old Doc Pain wrote on Oct 8, 2008 3:28 PM:Did you even read the story? You rambled-on about some whiny little personal issue you have with the city but didn't mention anything about the story.
You have ZERO credibility here, stick to the old cowboy festivals or historical shoe-days; it's closer to what you are qualified to comment on. If you feel you absolutely have to comment on grown-up things; at least read the story you are commenting on.
To My Whiney Little Issue wrote on Oct 8, 2008 4:53 PM:Read your blog. Can't find a Adult comment in it.."Whiney" is being over used by people who really have nothing concrete to say.
Ole Doc Pane
Dear Doc wrote on Oct 8, 2008 5:23 PM:Nice come back dear, to the less than Adult behavior.
I wanted to point out though, sometimes the people at the helm, just aren't qualified to keep the people informed. Sometimes they don't think to fight higher agencies, counties, state or fed, for the betterment of the people, for fear of losing other benifits for the cities. When those sort of things are happening, I would want them to inform us, and allow us to vote on what there postions should be. Their not doing that gives me my reason to vote them out...and find someone new.
3s a charm wrote on Oct 8, 2008 5:34 PM:I've heard that councilmembers in Temecula who serve three terms are awarded life-time medical paid for by the city. Is this true? If it is, it is no wonder that everyone wants to keep running. Perhaps the citizenry ought to get rid of incentives (perks) like that. That may help incumbents to move on.
sam wrote on Oct 8, 2008 6:46 PM:Naggar acts as if we have unlimited funds. He is wasting money on building a Taj Mahal city hall; an annexation attempt that will cost us millions; and approves developments in the city w/o requiring them to pay for transportation impacts.
Amazed wrote on Oct 8, 2008 9:01 PM:there was more, then less and then way more yet again - and yet there always seems to be less and that, as such, should be more, or less.
SAME LAME COMMENTS wrote on Oct 8, 2008 11:34 PM:These are the same lame hateful comments by the same lame hateful people that appeared after the "big Press Enterprise expose' ". Funny, but when the Press Enterprise admitted there was no conflict anywhere to be found and then endorsed Naggar and Washington, we heard no apologies from the same lame pane and his vindictive croanies. You can't admit you're wrong. When this turns out to be nothing, we'll all be waiting for your apology! Or perhaps you'll just go away and leave the dedicated people who have made this city great alone.
Deserving wrote on Oct 9, 2008 12:40 AM:This is what happens to good citizens who become drunk with power. The more terms they serve the power and influence they obtain. When they have this kind of power they are ... and become extremely arrogant. When they become arrogant with the people they serve. Just try pointing out an problem to them, they will dismiss you "out of hand" and feed you some platitudes. They are so arrogant they thing we all believe the BS they feed us.
You can only feed people BS for so long before they rise up against you.
I can tell you for a fact: Nagar, Commerchero and Washington were not any more qualified to serve on the city council when they were elected than those running against them today.
City Councils need term limits, period.
Drunk wrote on Oct 9, 2008 7:50 AM:Drunk with power is such a cool phrase; definitely not used enough! And to "Same Lame Comments," you are the only lame-one everyone has to deal with. What kind of childish, pathetic cry-baby goes around demanding appologies on a blog? Is that really all you have going for your ...life; I feel bad for you.
Amazed wrote on Oct 9, 2008 8:15 AM:I would have to disagree with the last poster, Chuck Washington was a City Council person in Murrieta before Temecula, so I think that makes him pretty darn qualified. I dont know about the other two.
Politics as usual wrote on Oct 9, 2008 8:32 AM:Sounds like they int training to run for the U.S. House of Representatives or Senate.
Preservationsit wrote on Oct 9, 2008 8:51 AM:Anybody else remember when during meetings of the city council, the public was allowed to speak for three minutes, and not just two? Does anybody remeber when every member of the city council did not vote the same way on every issue? Does anybody remember voting for Councilwoman Edwards? Since I moved here in 1996, I've watched the Temecula city Council evolve into an imperial body that answers to no one but it's self, and it's time to get some "amatuers" on the council.
Preserva-go-away wrote on Oct 9, 2008 9:14 AM:Is it just me, or whenever you see the name "Preservationist" you hear sad, whiny, violin music playing in the background of every blog?
EOR, that is your new name, EOR. Or maybe Chicken Little? Obviously, you hate the government and believe in the "Black Helicopters" spying on you. Just know this, most of us scroll-past anything your write as we roll our eyes. I don't need to read your continuous crying & whining.
1 minute wrote on Oct 9, 2008 9:16 AM:Did that dude just complain about one minute? Preservationist; I've read some cry-baby-pouting, but people like you give whiners a bad name.
To Amazed wrote on Oct 9, 2008 10:55 AM:Sometimes, being to long in political a office,can cloud and skew your judgement. Being in a political post for to long can obligate you to forces other than the citizens your supposed to serve. The outcome of the election will be what it is, the FPPC filings will have a outcome,that's a fact. I have my personal preferances for Council, and they would be Abbott and Stewart.
Mikey supporter wrote on Oct 9, 2008 12:20 PM:MIkey Naggar is my man for city council. He is kind and always does what he thinks is best for are fair city. He knows, because of his superior intellect, what we citizens need and want. He is a true professional politician who does what affective government servants do--lead the unknowing to greener pastures when they need it. Mr. Naggar is like a good jock strap--he SUPPORTS this city when economic times are tough. He is a man of simple pleasures and minimal wealth who knows what it means to live in poverty-like conditionsit. A vote for Mikey is a vote for free enterprise, personal wealth accumulation, and absolute power.
To. One Minute wrote on Oct 9, 2008 12:28 PM:Hey "Dude", cry baby pouting, whiners in the same blog? Hey "dude", get a life and a real point of view.
One minute wrote on Oct 9, 2008 12:34 PM:You sound like a person who has never stood in front of our City Council and tried to make a point in two minutes. If fact you sound like a person who does not have the ability to have a cohesive thought, dude.
To To Amazed wrote on Oct 9, 2008 12:41 PM:Way to go out on some limbs there: "The outcome of the election will be what it is." Hard to argue with that one.
"The FPPC filings will have a outcome, that's a fact." Another tough one to argue with. You forgot "The sun will come up tomorrow, that's for sure" and "Water is wet, no doubt about it."
fishy wrote on Oct 9, 2008 1:21 PM:The timing of this filing just before an election tells me it's politically motivated. Did Karl Rove move into the area?
To To amazed wrote on Oct 9, 2008 1:50 PM:To Amazed made statements of fact. He told you his political opinion, and the realities of the situation, and all you have satire. It was pretty bad satire. You can do better.
FISHY wrote on Oct 9, 2008 1:52 PM:Timing is everything. If any of the charges stick it won't matter.
Dudes- wrote on Oct 9, 2008 2:38 PM:I don't know which is more hilarious/pathetic; some guy writing the word "dude" or some other joker asking that guy if he ever stood in front of the city council. I'm going to go WAY OUT on a limb here and guess that "the dude" doesn't go before the council that often. Take it easy my dudes-
Preservationist. wrote on Oct 9, 2008 4:41 PM:Sorry "Preserva-go-away" Don't like my blogs? Don't read them. Besides my "whinning" is nothing compared to Chuck Wasgington,or maryanne Edwards who will spend a lot of council time publically complaining about how they're being "attacked". Can't stand being attacked? Don't become a public figure.
Hey Mikey supporter wrote on Oct 11, 2008 1:32 AM:A quote from your comment...'He is a man of simple pleasures and minimal wealth who knows what it means to live in poverty-like conditionsit.' Since when did Santiago Estates become poverty-like conditions? Another quote from you - 'A vote for Mikey is a vote for free enterprise, personal wealth accumulation, and absolute power.' Perhaps you never heard this quote..."Absolute power corrupts absolutely."
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