Adam Hill fined $2,500 for campaign violations

February 21, 2015

By KAREN VELIE

San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Adam Hill was fined $2,500 on Thursday for failing to properly maintain campaign records during his 2012 bid for the District 3 seat, according to the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC).

A random audit conducted by the California Franchise Tax Board on all 2012 San Luis Obispo County Supervisor candidates last year revealed that Hill failed to timely report fifteen payments of $500 or more, totaling $68,058.73. The audit also determined that the campaigns of Frank Meacham, Ed Waage, Debbie Arnold and Jim Patterson prepared financial statements that were substantially accurate and complete.

In May 2012, Hill reported making payments totaling $60,220 to an advertising and public relations firm to use for television and radio advertising. He did not disclose, though, what advertising the firm purchased on his behalf as required by California election disclosure laws.

In addition, Hill’s campaign (respondents) had a prior enforcement action.

“On March 25, 2014, the enforcement division sent respondents a warning letter for failing to state the correct employer of the source of a contribution of $100 or more on a semiannual statement, in violation of Section 84211,” the stipulated order says.

Last year, developer Gary Grossman donated $1,000 to Hill in the same week that the supervisor attended a groundbreaking for one of Grossman’s Pismo Beach developments. But, Hill listed Grossman, the president of Coastal Community Builders, as retired on a campaign financial statement.

In March 2014, the FPPC sent a warning letter to Hill. Because of the misstatement, Hill was required to return Grossman’s $1,000 donation.

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