Issue date: October 28, 1998

Woodside: Town Council to hear accusations of unethical conduct by planning commissioner; she denies allegations Woodside: Town Council to hear accusations of unethical conduct by planning commissioner; she denies allegations (October 28, 1998)

By BARBARA WOOD

Allegations that Planning Commissioner Leslie Stepp solicited free meals from the Little Store restaurant in return for easing her opposition to its planned business hours will be considered by the Woodside Town Council at an as-yet-unscheduled meeting.
Ms. Stepp denies the allegations, but said she will not discuss her reasons before the meeting, which she requested be held December 8.
In another development related to ethical conduct, Woodside resident Geoffrey Baldwin, who is appealing the Planning Commission's unanimous September vote against his new home plans, says he intends to file a complaint of unethical behavior against two planning commissioners. "Two of the planning commissioners directly proffered their (private) services to me," either in the process of introducing themselves to him or inspecting his property, Mr. Baldwin said.
Mr. Baldwin says he will not name the commissioners until he files the complaint, which he plans to do after his appeal is heard by the Town Council, now scheduled for November 24.
Leslie Stepp

Council members asked to have the Leslie Stepp matter put on the agenda after seeing a copy of a letter Little Store owners Greg St. Claire and James Guaspari sent to Town Manager Susan George. The October 6 letter from the restaurant owners alleges that Ms. Stepp said "some 'free or complimentary meals' for her and her neighbors might change her mind" about her opposition to the business hours planned for the restaurant.

The letter also complains that Ms. Stepp has shown up at the restaurant and complained to the restaurant owners and others on at least three occasions. "It is totally out of line to be continually harassed by a member of the Planning Commission bent on her own personal agenda," the letter says. "At some point, someone needs to talk to and/or reprimand her for her conduct."

Ms. Stepp was appointed to the commission in February to replace Larry Israel, who resigned before his term ended. She will be up for reappointment in February 1999.

Mayor Pete Sinclair said the council members take the accusations against Ms. Stepp seriously. "If these allegations are true, this is very serious because this basically is abusing the power of the office for personal gain," Mr. Sinclair said.

In denying the allegations, Ms. Stepp said: "I am disgusted by the false allegations made against me in the letter composed by Mr. Greg St. Claire and Mr. James Guaspari, which deserve no additional comment."

If the council finds Ms. Stepp has violated the town's Code of Ethics and Conduct she could be removed from the Planning Commission, according to Town Manager Susan George.

Violations of the code by appointed officials "shall constitute official misconduct and may be used as a basis for disciplinary action, including removal from office or termination of position," the code states.

Mr. St. Claire said he did not really intend that the Town Council remove Ms. Stepp from the commission. "I don't care what happens with her on that Planning Commission," he said. "All we want to do is run a nice neighborhood restaurant and be left alone."