California’s Lieutenant Governor Leases Offices to the State. What if She’s Elected Governor?
Calmatters reports Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis indicates she will address potential conflicts of interest with her extensive property investments by establishing a blind trust if she is elected governor of California next year.
John Pelissero, director, government ethics, says it would have been prudent for Kounalakis to take steps as lieutenant governor to distance herself from these assets, even though she generally does not vote on or sign legislation related to her clients.
“If she’s benefiting financially from lobbying, then the optics of it are troubling. It would be reasonable for any member of the public to look at that and say, ‘that’s odd,’” Pelissero said.
John Pelissero, director, government ethics, quoted by CalMatters.
Apr 11, 2025