Claim Alleging Bias in Padres Stadium Vote Dismissed

Suit Claiming Bias in Padres Stadium Vote Dismissed

Court rejects claim that councilwoman's gifts 'unduly impacted' result

San Diego, May 31, 2001 -- Allegations that gifts from San Diego Padres majority owner John Moores given to a former San Diego Councilwoman could have unduly impacted Council decisions, thereby voiding a voter-approved contract for a new downtown stadium, have been dismissed by a Superior Court judge.

The ruling was made by Judge E. Mac Amos Jr. (though the matter is yet to be finalized due to remaining details which still need to be made clear), according to a report in the San Diego Union-Tribune. However, the attorney for the filers of the lawsuit, Bruce Henderson, acknowledges that the heart of the case has been decided. The suit was filed last year by Bruce Skane and Jerry Mailhot. The litigation, according to the report, has slowed the project considerably.

Councilwoman Valerie Stallings resigned her position in January. She pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges resulting from her neglecting to report the gifts from the Padres owner. Judge Amos declared that votes involving Stallings on ballpark matters would not have been enough to change the outcomes. Henderson is contemplating an appeal, but first intends to consult with Skane and Maihot, according to the report.

The downtown ballpark project was approved by approximately 60 percent of the city's voters three years ago. However, construction was halted in October as funds evaporated. Padres team officials originally planned to open the park in 2002, however, the target date has been pushed back to sometime in 2003, or the beginning of the 2004 season.

Source: Ballpark contract affirmed by court, San Diego Union-Tribune, May 26, 2001.

David Burkey