Developer Endorses Knauss and Derides Nickel in Local Radio Interview

Local Developer Scott Beard endorses Kim Knauss and derides Henry Nickel in wide-ranging radio interview. Beard also made clear his support for Treasure Ortiz was unwavering despite her record of bankruptcy and arrest for domestic battery, among other issues dogging her campaign.

Scott Beard has made himself into a very successful man. His development company builds a wide range of projects, from large buildings for various purposes for the County of San Bernardino to fast-food restaurants and strip malls.

This success has led to his ability to spend large amounts of money on politics, mainly in the City of San Bernardino.  In the aftermath of the city filing for bankruptcy more than a decade ago, Beard embarked on a campaign to recall everyone on the council who voted in favor of it and replace them with his slate of candidates.  By his estimation, speaking on a local radio program Wednesday evening, he spent around $500,000 of his own money, which he made clear his wife regularly reminds him about.

During the interview, Beard agreed with economist Dr. Adrian Moore, an expert in government policy and vice president of the libertarian Reason Foundation, that the City of San Bernardino had to get back to basics. Beard put particular emphasis on crime and homelessness as vital issues for the city to address.

Beard said during the interview that new leadership was needed and that he believes Treasure Ortiz, who is running for the seventh ward seat against long-time city attorney James Penman, should be elected.  The host brought up issues in Ortiz’s record, such as her arrest for domestic battery in Los Angeles in March 2015, which Beard dismissed.  “On that point, Dr. Moore came to Ortiz’s defense, noting, “Anybody can be arrested for anything.”

According to Beard, Ortiz’s bankruptcy, which was filed and completed in 2007, was also not worthy of being at issue. Beard responded, “Most people don’t care about bankruptcy.”

Beard went on to say that the other council members would be “horrified” if she were on the council since she would “make things happen…and they (the other council members) don’t have a clue.”

Beard also clarified that he supports Kim Knauss over Henry Nickel in Ward Five.