Builders say Supervisor Hill made threats over campaign support

October 28, 2016

By KAREN VELIE

In what is being described as a pay to play demand, San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Adam Hill is alleged to have barred access and threatened financial harm to members of the Home Builders Association of the Central Coast if they do not support his campaign.

The controversy began about seven months ago when the association’s political action committee decided to remain neutral in the District 3 supervisor race because both candidates have supported housing projects in the past. The association has, in the past, donated $500 to a single candidate based on positions taken in support of new housing projects. In the June primary, the association donated $250 to both Hill and his opponent in the District 3 race, Dan Carpenter, according to campaign financial records.

Sources involved with the association, who have asked to remain unnamed because of fear of retaliation, said Hill complained about the association’s support of his opponent and the amount they had donated to his campaign. Even so, the association did not donate any more money to Hill’s election bid.

Then, about a month ago, Hill told the association that he would no longer meet with its government affairs committee members because they had failed to give him enough support, sources said.

In turn, the association’s political action committee voted to donate an additional $5,000 to Carpenter’s campaign and no more money to Hill because of his failure to provide access, sources said.

In a letter sent earlier this week, the association informed Carpenter they were supporting his campaign because of his fairness and impartiality.

“We favor candidates who demonstrate the ability to make fair and impartial decisions, listen to all sides before making up their minds, and apply local state land use and housing polices, laws and ordinances in a logical and consistent manner,” the letter says.

Hill responded by demanding Jeff Eckles, the association’s executive director, “make it right” or face further retaliation, sources said. Specifically, Hill said that association member’s projects would have a target on them during supervisor hearings and that he would appoint a new planning commissioner who would be opposed to new housing, sources said.

In addition, Hill contacted several board members and asked that they fire Eckles, terminate their membership with the association and send him more money, sources said.

Hill did not respond to a request for comment.