READER’S EDITORIAL: SELLING OUT SANTEE WITH A DEVELOPERS’ DELIGHT CAMPAIGN
By Van K. Collinsworth, Executive Director/Resource Analyst
October 31, 2016 (Santee)--Analysis shows 98% of Santee City Council candidate Mason Herron's donors are from outside of Santee; much of these contributors are easily identified as being traffic gridlock producing development interests. (CA Form 460’s are required disclosures.)
In contrast, Stephen Houlahan has not taken any developer dollars and 76% of his contributors are Santee residents.
Herron’s "Developer’s Delight Campaign” has raised $74,516 total, or $58,111 if his own $15,000 loan and $1,405 in cash are subtracted. However, it is probable that a “Victory Campaign/Party" would be launched where the debt would be repaid by development interests in exchange for the expectation of favors.
The "Developer’s Delight Campaign" consists of 85 of a total 87 contributions coming from outside of Santee or 98% outside influence. Additional development interest funds are coming from "Independent Expenditures" and have not been included.
Heavy donors include:
- HomeFed Corporation (owner of Fanita Ranch/Santee’s northern hills)
- TC Construction
- Newland
- Cornerstone
- Mastercraft Homes
So what are these developers purchasing?
Recently obtained court documents state, “HomeFed anticipates submittal of a project application to the City in the next few months.” It is clear that HomeFed is attempting to purchase favor for their massive project application.
HomeFed and other development interests think that they will delight in M. Herron’s future votes on their proposals despite the traffic gridlock that they will create.
Don’t let Mason Herron sell-out Santee — vote Stephen Houlahan!
Follow the $ and the choice is clear. Stephen Houlahan's contributors are over 3/4 Santee residents and Houlahan has not taken any developer dollars. Vote Houlahan!
The opinions expressed in this editorial reflect the view of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. To submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org.