Fair Political Practices Commission Recommendation Regarding Lilac Hills Ranch Vote
by County Supervisor Bill Horn
Today I received a response from my request to the Fair Political Practices Commission regarding my Supervisorial vote as it relates to the Lilac Hills Ranch Project. They have concluded that I have a conflict of interest because “…the decisions will have a reasonably foreseeable material financial effect on my real property interest.”
I have lived in this community for 40 years. I have served Valley Center on the school board and as a Supervisor for almost 30 years. My property has been in an agricultural preserve since 1975 and that cannot be changed for 10 years at a minimum. I do not believe I have a conflict of interest and I do not think it is reasonable to guess the future more than a decade from now.
I think this decision is outrageous! My 620-thousand District 5 residents have been disenfranchised. They have voted me into office six times as their voice and silencing them is not democracy. This decision is a clear case of state overreach and a dangerous affront to our Constitution. Under this precedent, every vote can be questioned and dismissed. I have often said the government that governs closest to the people governs best. With this decision, that will no longer be possible. I will abstain with great trepidation and grave concern over the chipping away at the foundation of what we as Americans believe.