Todd Gloria, Toni Atkins & Jennifer LeSar: Further Examples of Ethical Concerns
1. Campaign Funds Directed to Spouse-Owned Company
In 2022, Toni Atkins allocated $22,500 from her campaign funds to the Global Policy Leadership Academy (GPLA), a company solely owned by her spouse, Jennifer LeSar. The payment was for a trip to Vienna to study social housing models. Experts, including former Federal Election Commission chair Ann Ravel, have questioned the legality of this payment under California law, which prohibits the use of campaign funds for personal benefits, including payments to a spouse’s company.
2. Previous Use of Campaign Funds for International Travel
In 2015, Atkins used campaign funds to cover expenses for a five-day trip to Cuba with her spouse, Jennifer LeSar. The trip was organized by lobbyists, and the use of campaign funds for such travel has raised questions about the appropriateness of using political contributions for personal or semi-personal endeavors.
3. Concurrent Roles in Public Office and Private Consulting
While serving in the State Assembly, Atkins held a position as Senior Principal of Housing Policy and Planning at LeSar Development Consultants, her spouse’s firm. This dual role has been scrutinized for potential conflicts of interest, especially when voting on redevelopment funds that might benefit LeSar’s clients. Critics argue that this arrangement could compromise her objectivity in legislative decisions related to housing and redevelopment.
Todd Gloria: In-Depth Analysis of Development Decisions and Political Contributions
1. 101 Ash Street Controversy
Todd Gloria, during his tenure as a city council member, supported the city’s acquisition of the 101 Ash Street building through a lease-to-own agreement. The building was later found to have significant issues, including asbestos contamination, rendering it uninhabitable and leading to substantial financial losses for the city. Investigations revealed that individuals and entities involved in the deal had made substantial contributions to Gloria’s campaigns, raising concerns about potential undue influence.
2. Settlement with Broker Jason Hughes
In 2023, the city reached a $9.4 million settlement with real estate broker Jason Hughes, who had advised the city on the 101 Ash Street deal while also receiving compensation from the seller, a conflict of interest that was not disclosed at the time. This settlement aimed to recoup some of the city’s losses from the problematic transaction.
3. Criticism Over Development Projects and Political Contributions
Gloria has faced criticism for his support of development projects that have been perceived as favoring developers over community interests. For instance, his endorsement of the Kensington Terrace project faced community opposition due to concerns about its impact on the neighborhood. Additionally, Gloria’s campaigns have received significant contributions from developers and lobbyists, leading to accusations of prioritizing donor interests.
Mayor’s Office Denial Over 101 Ash St Deal Raises More Questions | La Prensa San Diego
Ethics questions dog Democrat running for California governor — POLITICO
Toni Atkins’ $22,500 payment headache — POLITICO
Is Assembly Leader Toni Atkins Cashing in on Homelessness? | San Diego Reader
Why Was Toni Atkins Consulting for Developers Vying for Redevelopment Dollars After She Was Elected to State Assembly? | San Diego Reader
Not so forest-friendly | San Diego Reader
City’s ex-homeless honcho joins LeSar firm | San Diego Reader
CA State Assembly Leader Atkins Heads Select Committee on Homelessness While her Spouse & ex- CCDC Official is Paid $225 Per Hour in Redevelopment Money “Solving” Homelessness | San Diego San Diego Reader
Tapping the homeless lobby for Cole’s political debt retirement | San Diego Reader
Publisher Sues San Diego, Alleging City is Stonewalling Data on 101 Ash Debacle — Times of San Diego
Toni Hearts Todd | Voice of San Diego
