Upland businessman faces $1,600 in fines for political contributions

A prominent political donor from Upland may face $1,600 in fines for making substantial contributions to local candidates without first filing as a major donor.

Mark Bertone has entered into an agreement with the executive director of the Fair Political Practices Committee to pay the fine for donating more than $58,000 since 2006, a donation level that qualified Bertone as a major donor.

Bertone is the owner of Madole & Associates, Inc., an Ontario civil engineering and land surveying firm. He also sits on the board of directors of the San Antonio Community Hospital Foundation.

In an interview Tuesday, Bertone said he did not file as a major donor because he was not aware he had crossed a contribution threshold that required him to do so.

He said he contacted the FPPC himself after he became aware last year that he may not have been in compliance with state law.

"I feel I took a proactive, responsible act," Bertone said.

Bertone's agreement with the FPPC -- in which he admits to four counts of the campaign-finance violation -- will be considered by the full commission on Jan. 15.

Bertone's contributions since 2006 include $7,000 to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, $2,000 to Upland Mayor John Pomierski, and $1,300 to Rancho Cucamonga Councilman Rex Gutierrez, according to the Fair Political Practices Commission.

Bertone made substantial donations to members of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. He donated $6,200 to Paul Biane, $5,500 to Gary Ovitt, and $1,500 to Brad Mitzelfelt.

Bertone donated to elected officials on city councils and school boards in Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana and Rialto, as well as to local members of Congress, and state senators and assembly members.

Click here to read the complete 4-page FPPC agenda item for details on Bertone's case.