State senator claims Stanislaus County supervisor ‘eroded public trust.’ Here’s what she says
State Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil has requested an investigation into Stanislaus County Supervisor Channce Condit for violation of county ethics and conflict of interest policies.
Alvarado-Gil made the request in a letter sent Tuesday to county to Chief Executive Officer Jody Hayes.
The letter from Alvarado-Gil to Stanislaus County alleges ethics violation and conflict of interest by county Supervisor Channce Condit.
The letter, sent to Chief Executive Officer Jody Hayes on Tuesday, is a formal complaint, requesting a thorough investigation into Condit’s conduct as per the board’s conflict of interest policy and code of ethics.
“It is my position that Supervisor Condit has eroded public trust with my office and the State of California by engaging in self-dealing with my former Chief of Staff, Chad Condit. Supervisor Condit is the son of Mr. Condit and both were cohabitants at the time of the transaction and both were in positions to benefit financially,” reads the letter from Alvardo-Gil.
This follows the senator’s inquiry into the approval of $5 million in state funding of infrastructure improvements in south Modesto.
The letter states that in April 2023, Channce Condit allegedly violated county and state regulations by leveraging familial connections and special treatment from his father as the supervisor sought state funding.
Alvarado-Gil said this was brought to her attention in August 2023, after which she said she made a formal complaint to Senate Rules. A complaint into the actions of Chad Condit has been referred to the Office of the Attorney General for further investigation, according to the letter.
She states that Channce Condit launched a public smear campaign “aimed at disparaging her and the Office of Senate District 4” this past week, by sending multiple public emails to community members and media. She also accuses the supervisor of making several inflammatory remarks about her disability.
“These rants were inappropriate to say the least, and intentionally attacked my character in the most disrespectful and unprofessional manner,” Alvarado-Gil wrote in the letter. “Supervisor Condit’s egregious conduct creates a hostile partnership between my office and the County of Stanislaus, specifically harming the people and communities of [the county’s] District 5. His lack of regard for personal integrity, truthfulness and honesty raises the question as to whether or not he is fit to carry out the duties of an office holder for Stanislaus County.”
The letter ends with her stating that there is currently a legal matter pending further internal investigation.
In response, Condit has submitted a cease and desist letter, denying all allegations. The letter claims that the Senator is making these allegations “maliciously in retaliation for Supervisor Condit’s father’s pending human relations complaint” against Alvarado-Gil.
Condit said that she potentially wrongfully terminated his father based on his health conditions.
“It is unacceptable that you are willing to sacrifice Supervisor Condit as collateral damage as part of your retaliation,” the letter reads.
The letter warns that if the Senator ignores Condit’s cease and desist demand, litigation will be initiated against Alvarado-Gil in California Superior Court.
Supervisor Condit questioned how it is possible he could have been in violation if the county is on track to go on bid next month. He said that they plan to move forward with the projects, with an independent bidding process.
He also points out that Alvarado-Gil claimed to have known about the issue with the money in August 2023, but still mentioned the south Modesto project in her annual report at the beginning of the year, which features Condit’s photo.
Condit also denies making any defamatory comment about the senator’s disability, saying that he was not aware she had one.
“She’s been operating in the dark while I’ve been standing in the light, so I don’t know how I violated anything,” Condit told The Bee Thursday evening. “The senator has acted shamefully, trying to murky the waters with political games, and she’s using the community of south Modesto as political pawns.”
CEO Hayes’ office declined to comment on the letter. The State Attorney General’s Office had not responded to The Bee’s request for comment as of Friday morning.
This story was originally published May 31, 2024 at 10:50 AM.
