Chula Vista Housing Scandal

A Sign on San Diego article caught the attention of many Chula Vista residents today.

Allegations that Chula Vista interim city councilman, Mitch Thompson violated state conflict-of-interest laws while serving on the city’s planning commission. Derrick Roach, a private investigator says Mr. Thompson had purchased property in the city’s redevelopment area as he sat on the city’s planning commission and was able to vote on issues which affected those same properties.

It is illegal for any government official to vote on issues in which they stand to benefit.
Mr. Thompson said he had provided the City Attorney with a list of his properties when he was appointed to the Planning Commission and subsequently informed the City Clerk’s Office when he purchased new property.

Councilman Mitch Thompson owns seven properties in Chula Vista of which four of them are in the city’s redevelopment areas.
When asked about these allegations, he said “Unfortunately I am not an expert in everything dealing with a conflict of interest”. However it has been the norm for Chula Vista council members to recuse themselves from certain issues as in the case of the Vacant Property Ordinance or the RAP Program as it was referred to.
As former Senior Vice President of Bank of America, Councilman Thompson stepped out of Council Chambers during that hearing as local Realtors made their voices heard. His past in dealing with foreclosed properties was deemed to have a possible conflict-of-interest.

I think anyone can see that voting on issues that affect the neighborhood your property is located in, can be a conflict-of-interest.
Mr. Roach has forwarded his complaint to the state Attorney General’s Office, The District Attorney, the City’s Ethics Commission and the Fair Political Practices Commission.

Does Mr. Roach have a personal grudge against Councilman Thompson?
Who knows, but it will be interesting to see what the fall out of this is and if actual charges are filled.

About Daniel Di Matteo

Realtor at CENTURY 21 Award, Daniel was Voted U-T San Diego’s Best Real Estate Agent in 2014. A Husband, Father, and most recently, accomplished Blog writer, which explains your visit today.