Did Mayor Tod Ridgeway Violate Conflict of Interest Laws?

FreeNewport.com has learned that on July 11, 2003, Tod purchased a property within blocks of our city hall, at 2804 Lafayette, in Newport Beach (CLICK HERE to see the deed).  In addition to being unethical, Tod Ridgeway's past actions may have actually been criminal.  Why?  Let's start with the law.  According to California Government Code Section 87100, we know that:

"No public official at any level of state or local government shall make, participate in making or in any way attempt to use his official position to influence a governmental decision in which he knows or has reason to know he has a financial interest." (taken from the California Fair Political Practices Commission website)

Now in case you haven't been following our city council meetings, Tod Ridgeway has been a central figure in deciding a proposed multi-million dollar city hall expansion/renovation, which would no doubt raise property values in the area.  Tod has actually suggested that perhaps the city should expand the project to improve the surrounding area.  In fact, on Tuesday, May 27, 2003, it was Tod Ridgeway himself who made the following motion:

"Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Ridgeway to 1) receive and file report titled, “Comparisons of Continued Occupancy of Existing City Hall vs. Effective Costs of Occupancy in a Replacement City Hall”; 2) approve a Professional Services Agreement with Griffin Holdings Incorporated [donated $550 to both Ridgeway and Webb's campaigns], for the not to exceed price of $578,185 and authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute the Agreement; 3) approve a budget amendment (BA-072) appropriating $253,185 from the balance of the General Fund Reserve for Capital Improvement to Account No. 7011-C2910545; 4) authorize staff to engage discussions with the adjacent property owner regarding a lot-line adjustment [the Duda family, adjoining property owners, donated $2000 to Tod's campaign]; and 5) direct staff to schedule a series of community workshops regarding the planning and design of the project."  (Check out this ABC7 story on a similar situation in LA)

Tod's property falls just over 400 yards from the city hall property.  It also lies just over 100 yards from the new Cannery Lofts development (now under construction).  This 22 unit, Cannery Lofts development was approved by the planning commission on February 21, 2002, and approved by our city council on March 12, 2002.  Surprisingly enough, it was Tod who made the motion to approve the project.  Together, these two new developments are sure to raise property values in the immediate area, providing Tod with a quick, and healthy return on his investment.

Check out the map below to see exactly how close Tod's new property is to his proposed city hall re-development, and the Cannery Lofts development.  Legal, ethical, or not, Tod definitely stands to make good money on this one!