Costa Mesa Mayor Allan Mansoor has returned almost $8,000 in campaign donations related his Assembly campaign, according to Secretary of State records.
The money Mansoor returned was given by companies and individuals who do business with the city.
Campaign contributions became an issue for Mansoor when some residents during a council meeting voiced concerns that some of the money given toward his race for the 68th Assembly seat, which is being vacated by Van Tran, R-Westminster, came from individuals who are directly involved with negotiations with Costa Mesa on the operations and financing of the Orange County Fairgrounds.
"It was brought to my attention that they had an issue coming to the council and as soon as that was brought to my attention, I immediately had my treasurer return the money so I can participate in voting," Mansoor said.
