A San Dieguito Union High School District trustee is under investigation by California’s campaign finance watchdog for allegedly accepting a donation from a contractor involved in a district office renovation project. Michael Allman, the incumbent seeking re-election, is facing complaints for failing to submit campaign contribution forms on time and not including a required disclaimer on Facebook campaign ads.
The most recent complaint alleges that Allman violated a state law against “pay-to-play” politics by accepting a $2,500 donation from a retired resident believed to be connected to the construction company handling the district office renovation. The donation was made less than a year after the contract’s total amount was increased to nearly $7.7 million due to additional work required on the project.
The accusation suggests that Allman should have returned the donation under the Levine Act, which prohibits public officials from accepting significant contributions from parties with financial ties to their office until 12 months after a related matter has concluded. Despite the complaint, Allman has not responded to requests for comment on the allegations.
The Fair Political Practices Commission is yet to decide whether to investigate the claims of Levine Act violations. The outcome of any investigation would depend on whether the contractor’s contract falls under any exemptions outlined in the law, such as personal employment or contracts awarded through a competitive bidding process.
The ongoing controversy surrounding Allman adds to the heated race for the Area 4 seat on the school board. His opponent, Kevin Sabellico, has raised concerns about Allman’s honesty, past harassment allegations, and his handling of various district issues during his current term. Sabellico has criticized Allman for a range of issues, including alleged spending irregularities at Canyon Crest Academy and disputes over special needs accommodations.
As the election approaches, both candidates are engaged in a fierce campaign marked by direct attacks and accusations. Sabellico has condemned Allman’s alleged involvement in pay-to-play politics, stating that students in the district deserve better leadership. The outcome of the Fair Political Practices Commission’s decision on the allegations against Allman remains pending, adding further uncertainty to an already contentious school board race.
