CA: Ethics task force issues subpoenas in S.J. probe

Mercury News ^ | 12/11/04 | Rodney Foo

[NormsRevenge]

A City Hall investigation that could bring censure hearings against besieged San Jose Councilman Terry Gregory gathered steam Friday when a task force issued subpoenas to compel witnesses to testify about allegations of Gregory soliciting gifts from businessmen.

The city council's ethics task force, charged with examining accusations that Gregory sought and received gifts and pressured companies to give contributions to a special events fund, voted to issue subpoenas to:

• Dennis Fong, majority owner of the Tropicana Shopping Center. In May, a Mercury News editorial reported that Fong gave Gregory a free case of wine, valued at about $1,400. A videotape camera at Fong's wine shop recorded the purported illegal incident. Task force members said they believe this is the most serious accusation against Gregory, who has denied any wrongdoing.

• John DiNapoli, a property owner in Gregory's district. He told the Mercury News he was asked by Gregory's office to provide free Oakland A's baseball tickets, which were eventually obtained for Gregory.

• Craig Mann, Gregory's former chief of staff, who has lodged a wrongful job termination claim against the city. The claim alleges Gregory pressured Wal-Mart and Costco representatives to give contributions to a fund for district events. Wal-Mart gave $5,000 to the fund, according to Mann's claim.

• Amy Hill, the Wal-Mart representative who dealt with Gregory, and Costco executive Arthur Jackson, who met with the councilman.