Politics & Government
Lake Forest Councilman James Gardner encourages ethics investigations into others, but not himself
He was tripping over himself to initiate an investigation into Mayor Scott Voigts, but thinks one against him is a "a silly waste of time"
You can't have it both ways, Councilman Gardner.
I feel I can listen to your thoughts: "Let's investigate others, but when it comes to me, I am off limits!"
That is what I read between the lines when reviewing what the Orange County Register reported in today's paper - http://www.ocregister.com/arti...:
Find out what's happening in Lake Forestfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"two residents, speaking during public comments, questioned whether Councilman Jim Gardner had a conflict of interest because he had previously served on the Lake 1 Homeowner’s Association Board of Directors and his wife, Anne Breuer, is a current board member."
"Cynthia Cantrelle asked Gardner if Breuer had any involvement in the HOA’s lawsuit against the city over a dispute about the lake within the association."
Find out what's happening in Lake Forestfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"Because of the lawsuit and the association’s agreement with the city to maintain the water quality at the pond in Village Pond Park, Gardner has recused himself from all discussions regarding the water quality as part of the park’s renovation, city staff said."
'“I think it’s hard to believe that you and your wife never talk to each other about the HOA lawsuit with the city,” Cantrell said.'
"She also accused Breuer of being “a proxy” for Gardner so he could stay involved with the HOA."
"Gardner denied that claim."
"City staff will bring back a report to the City Council, but no timeline was discussed."
"Gardner said after he was first elected, he thought he should resign because of his position with the HOA, but was told by the city attorney that he saw no conflict. He characterized the comments about his wife as “insulting.”'
“She has an exceptional record and she was elected on her own merits,” Gardner said. “The city is happy to investigate me if you want to, but it seems like a silly waste of time.”
'He characterized the comments about his wife as “insulting.”'
'“She has an exceptional record and she was elected on her own merits,” Gardner said. “The city is happy to investigate me if you want to, but it seems like a silly waste of time.”'
