Chuck Reed Under Investigation For Vote Benefitting His Client

An anonymous poster provided us with this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dRTz7ukONM. The link provides KTVU's scoop on the recent allegations that Chuck Reed cast a vote to economically benefit one of his clients. The allegations have been made by local attorney Mohinder Mann (apologies if I misspelled his name). The complaint has been filed with the Fair Political Practices Commission.

Los Esteros is a client of Chuck Reed's. Los Esteros wanted to build a gas station on its property near the San Jose-Milpitas city lines. Reed recused himself on a number of germane votes relating to Los Esteros's interests. However, when a crucial vote came to allow the sale of alcohol and groceries at gas stations - something that would directly financially benefit Reed's client - Reed provided what Mann is calling "the swing vote" leading to the ordinance's narrow passage.

What is Reed's defense?

"It is accurate that I knew - at one point - that my client was interested in leasing the property for a gas station but it was much later."

Reed, however, MUST have known about the conflict at the time of his questionable vote because the timeline provided by Mann in the video shows that he DID recuse himself on other votes:

"June 19, 2001: Los Esteros Partnership rezoned property with a 36 acre gas station, 8 fueling pumps, and car wash. REED RECUSED.

May 13, 2003: Voted to direct City Attorney to draft ordinance to remove prohibition against selling gasoline and food items (mini-marts). REED VOTES.

June 17, 2003: City of San Jose and Milpitas agree on sewage serivce for Los Esteros Partnership. REED RECUSED.

December 16, 2003: Voted to repeal the ban on selling food and alcohol at gas stations. REED VOTES.

June 14, 2005: Votes to direct City Attorney to draft ordinance repealing the ban on selling food and alcohol at gas stations. REED VOTES.

October 4, 2005: Council approves repeal and Reed says he has a conflict of interest arising out of a client that wants to build a gas station/grocery store combination. REED RECUSED.

December 6, 2005: Council approves repeal and Reed says he has a client that owns property that they want to put a gas station and sell groceries. REED RECUSED. "

More on the story as it develops...