There are some notable contributors to San Diego City Council President Ben Hueso’s legal defense fund, according to the financial disclosures released today.
They include Chula Vista City Councilwoman Pamela Bensoussan, who contributed $100; political consultant John Kern, who pitched in $500; and Labor Council political director (and former voiceofsandiego.org reporter) Evan McLaughlin, who contributed $150.
Three officials associated with Irvine-based developer Global Premier Development, which specializes in low-income housing, chipped in the maximum of $500 each.
Hueso received a total of $5,063 in monetary contributions through March 31. His legal defense fund was created to raise money for expenses incurred from a complaint filed against Hueso that was investigated by the Ethics Commission starting in May 2007. The complaint was dismissed in November 2008.
Hueso has refused to divulge the details of the complaint, but an Ethics Commission case log indicated his case involved allegations of participation in a city decision involving economic interests.
The financial statements released today indicate that Hueso has racked up $15,550 in expenses, including $10,902 in unpaid bills. That includes $6,756 to Los Angeles law firm Strumwasser & Woocher and $2,500 to reimburse Hueso for the initial retainer he paid to the firm.
The fund has been used to pay $3,600 to attorney Carlos Castaneda and $654 to campaign consultants KM Strategies.