10/31/24: Desmond Was Examined For A Conflict-Of-Interest Complaint Related To His Work On The “No On G” Political Committee. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, "State election regulators are investigating San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond for his work related to defeating Measure G, the half-cent sales tax proposal now before local voters. In a letter released by the California Fair Political Practices Commission on Thursday, commission officials confirmed they are moving forward on a complaint filed against the North County supervisor last month. The investigation, which is not expected to conclude before the general election on Tuesday, is examining conflict-of-interest allegations against Desmond related to his work on the No on G political committee." [San Diego Union-Tribune, 10/31/24]
The California Fair Political Practices Commission Also Investigated Desmond For Accepting A $5,000 Donation From Someone Who Worked At A Housing Company He Voted To Provide Funding To. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, "Records show the commission also is investigating a $5,000 political contribution made by donor James Silverwood of Affirmed Housing months after Desmond cast a vote as supervisor to provide funding to the company." [San Diego Union-Tribune, 10/31/24]
Desmond’s Spokesperson Called The Investigation A “Desperate Political Stunt Aimed At Diverting Attention From The Real Issue.” According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, "Desmond did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But his spokesperson issued a statement late Thursday calling the investigation a ‘desperate political stunt aimed at diverting attention from the real issue.’ ‘Voters don’t want to pay more taxes, they don’t trust SANDAG and a handful of insiders are set to make millions, while everyday voters are left to bear the burden,’ Desmond spokesperson Miles Himmel said by email." [San Diego Union-Tribune, 10/31/24]