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Residents and chamber raise conflict concerns over planning commissioner nominee; council affirms appointment
Summary
A Chamber treasurer urged Lake Elsinore’s council to reconsider Mayor Manos’ nomination of Jason DeVore to the planning commission, citing a threatened $250,000 claim; council debated conflicts and district appointment rules, received legal guidance, and approved the nomination by majority vote.
Lake Elsinore — During the council’s appointment docket Dec. 10, long‑time resident and Lake Elsinore Valley Chamber of Commerce treasurer Jack Ferguson urged council to reconsider Mayor Manos’ nomination of Jason DeVore to the planning commission, saying DeVore had "threatened a lawsuit" against the Chamber seeking $250,000 and therefore presented an appearance of conflict.
"I see nothing but an extreme conflict of interest," Ferguson told the council, asking how projects supported by the Chamber could receive a fair hearing if the nominee had a pending claim or threatened litigation. Ferguson said he spoke on behalf of the Chamber and identified himself as treasurer.
Mayor Manos defended the nomination, noting DeVore’s experience as a local business owner and his familiarity with zoning and real estate. City Attorney Leibold advised the council that the filed action described by the speaker was not a legal conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act because the case was not brought against the city. "There is not a legal conflict of interest," Leibold said, adding that the nomination decision was a political one for the council.
Councilmembers discussed district appointment rules after redistricting changed the eligibility of some incumbent commissioners. Councilmember Johnson suggested the council re-examine its process to give priority to incumbents displaced by redistricting; others said the municipal code allows nominations outside a council member’s district when no applicants live in that district.
After discussion, the council voted to approve the appointments (item 12) by unanimous voice vote on the motion put forward by Mayor Pro Tem Tisdale and seconded on the floor. Several council members noted that an appointee serves at the pleasure of the council and can be removed if an actual conflict arises.
The council did not take formal disciplinary action against any staff or other parties related to the Chamber claim during the meeting. Members said the city’s appointment process could be revisited administratively or by referral to staff for process review.
