WEST COVINA - The West Covina City Council has a new member - a real estate developer who has donated thousands of dollars to the election campaigns of the council members who appointed him Tuesday.
And when one council member publicly questioned the decision - and the conflict-of-interest it potentially brings - he was questioned over whether his opposition was based on race.
The City Council last week voted 3-1 to appoint Andrew McIntyre to the seat left vacant by former Councilman Mike Touhey.
McIntyre is vice president of The McIntyre Company, a Covina-based real estate company that has developed several projects in Covina and West Covina, including McIntyre Square and Citrus Grove.
His name was the first and only one drawn during the discussion, prompting Councilman Fred Sykes - the sole council member who has not received campaign donations from the company - to decry the decision.
"McIntyre, his company and family paid for that seat over and over through campaign contributions," Sykes said. "I have nothing against the gentleman personally. He's done some wonderful things in the community, but to put him in that City Council seat and expect him to slit his own throat when it comes to decisions about land use, that's not going to happen."
Councilman Steve Herfert, who said he selected McIntyre based on his business background and community involvement, denied that there was any correlation between the contributions
and his appointment.Herfert also questioned if Sykes' disapproval was based on race.
Sykes speculated that the topic was raised as a ploy merely to distract residents from the intricate relationship between McIntyre and the other council members.
McIntyre, a lifelong West Covina resident who serves in several local service groups and nonprofits, said he was excited to represent the city.
"It's going to be my goal to let the whole state of California know what a great city West Covina is," McIntyre said. "I'm glad you, or at least some of you, have confidence in me."
His appointment is through November.
The McIntyre family, through four generations, has owned and operated office and retail development properties in Covina and West Covina for more than 60 years.
According to the letter of interest he submitted, McIntyre has held positions in the public and private sector, understand the City Council and Planning Commission processes and has extensive experience with small businesses, making him an ideal fit.
"That family pretty much built West Covina and Covina and he is extremely involved in all our service clubs," Herfert said of why he selected McIntyre. "He's an immaculate and incredible person."
Despite the positive reviews McIntyre garnered, many residents walked out of the meeting once it became apparent that the majority of the council would support the developer.
Still, council members - who said they were seeking someone who was positive, honest and had independent decision-making skills - defended their decision.
"I see a family that has given the city McIntyre Square," Councilman Rob Sotelo said. "I can't put someone down because of who someone's family is. How can you put someone down for something they've done for your community. I think they've been an asset for our city."
Although the council was accused of favoring special interests, Mayor Shelley Sanderson said he had the best for her community at heart.
"I want this city to be the best that it possibly can be," she said.
Sykes said his discontent came from the decision to appoint someone who would likely have to recuse himself from the dais whenever a developer's project came forward.
"When you recuse yourself that's declaring a conflict," Sykes said. "You're saying people, I can't protect your interest. I can't speak for you tonight because I have another interest and that interest is taking precedent."
"To say that he's independent of them, how can he be," he added.
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