Robinson Under Investigation for Not Disclosing Financial Interests

The Fair Political Practices Commission has launched an investigation into Lake Forest City Councilman Dwight Robinson.

The FPPC recently opened an investigation for Robinson’s alleged failure to disclose his financial interests and required legal documents regarding his business interests that might show a conflict of interest or that he voted to enrich himself.

Not only is Robinson a city councilman, but is a voting member of the South Coast Air Quality Management District which oversees air quality for greater Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

At the same time, however, Robinson’s primary business, which includes trucking, operates out of the Long Beach Pier and could benefit from his votes which this year has included easing regulations to the benefit of oil refineries and other industries.

What makes the FPPC case notable is it based on a sworn complaint rather than an anonymous one. All complaints have to be investigated, at least cursory. According to Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas, it is not uncommon for anonymous entities to report suspected wrongdoings of political opponents so that an investigation can be hanging over their head during the election campaign.

However, the sworn complaint gives the investigation some merit.

According to the complaint (FPPC Case No. 2016-19771), it is alleged that:

• On August 11, 2016, Robinson submitted a Form 700 Statement of Economic Interests for his candidacy, as required.
• He previously filed Form 700s prior to his election in 2012.
• He filed annual reports for 2013 an 2014.
• He did not file a report for 2015.
• In the reports he did file, he failed to list two firms he has been affiliated with, Harbor Heavy Haul LLC of Long Beach, and Export Expediters LLC of Long Beach; he is the corporate officer and the agent for service for Export Expediters.
• Robinson violated some or all of Government Code Sections 81004, 87203, 87204, and 87207 as a reportable office holder when he submitted his Form 700s.

Robinson is running for reelection against another incumbent, Adam Nick, and Leah Basile. It is Basile’s first campaign for City Council, though she did lead the effort to recall Robinson, Andrew Hamilton and Scott Voigts earlier this year after they failed to place discussion of the dangerous Saddleback Ranch Road on an agenda.

About the author: Martin Henderson won several Los Angeles and Orange County press club awards while an editor at Patch in 2012-13.