FPPC investigating Oceano director Austin for conflicts of interests

June 21, 2018

Oceano Community Services District Director Linda Austin

The state’s Fair Political Practices Commission has mounted an investigation into Oceano Community Services District Director Linda Austin concerning conflict of interest allegations. In a written complaint, activist Julie Tacker accused Austin of voting on multiple projects that could financially impact properties owned by Austin in and around the community of Oceano. [Cal Coast Times]

According to California law, a financial conflict of interest arises when a member of a government body makes a decision that could have a financial impact on the public official. The law requires officials to recuse themselves from voting on projects when they have a conflict of interest.

Tacker first reported the possible FPPC violations in January after reviewing Austin’s 2016 conflict of interest statement. In response, Austin told the FPPC that she had misreported her assets by listing properties that belonged to a relative.
Austin then amended her conflict of interest statement and the FPPC closed the matter.

A short time later, the relative of Austin’s passed away and many of the properties she had misreported were then under her ownership. Then in April, Austin filed her annual Form 700 (conflict of interest statement) listing those properties.

According to Tacker’s April 9 complaint, Austin has voted on multiple projects at locations in close proximity to properties she has an ownership interest following the change in ownership.

“The votes may benefit Austin’s property values, which would be a clear conflict”, Tacker said. “The votes took place after the death of her family members, when the properties were hers.”

After reviewing Tackers complaint, on June 19, the FPPC sent a letter notifying Tacker that the agency had opened up an investigation into her allegation of conflict of interests over mutiple votes Austin made on projects in the South County.

If found to have violated conflict of interest rules, Austin faces penalties for each violation ranging from a warning letter to a fine of up to $5,000.


Loading...
3 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

OCSD,SSLOCSD, John Shoals, Bill and Barbara Nicolls, Mary Lucey, Matt Guerrero, Caren Ray are all part of the same cabal. Despite their ability to appear ever so appropriate, everything they touch stalls and costs more, and anyone asking questions is demonized and they, their businesses, and their employers are attacked. This group creates dysfunction everywhere they go and solidify their positions by choosing week sycophants to do their bidding and by using threats of financial harm and the financial rewards they reap because of their corrupt practices.


Does corruption in the South County ever stop. Between the Oceano Community Services District and the Sanitation District these are the most corrupt people elected to this Boards in the County. Interesting how the people just continue to elect these evil wanna-bes!


Pay attention Gibson.