Three San Bernardino County supervisors have been significant campaign contributors to a political group that has launched a series of attack ads against a newcomer seeking to unseat one of their colleagues.

 

The San Bernardino County Taxpayers Association has received more than $100,000 in contributions, about half of which came from supervisors' election committees, campaign reports show.

 

The taxpayers association paid for a number of mailers sent to voters that criticize San Bernardino Councilman Neil Derry, who is running against 3rd District Supervisor Dennis Hansberger, a longtime incumbent. Both are Republicans, although the post is nonpartisan.

 

Derry said he believes the supervisors are opposing him due to his corruption-reform platform. He previously criticized the board for approving a hefty benefits package and accepting a salary increase that makes the five board members the highest paid supervisors in Southern California.

 

"The board knows when I get elected, the gravy train is over," Derry said.

 

Paul Biane, chairman of the board, took issue with the allegation.

 

"That has nothing to do with it," he said. "The fact of the matter is, I think most observers would agree the county has made great strides over the years both in its ethical performance and in its fiscal performance. Why make a change when you've got a good team working together?"

 

Contributions from supervisors included $15,000 from Biane's election committee; $15,000 from 5th District Supervisor Josie Gonzales' election committee; and $25,000 from 4th District Supervisor Gary Ovitt's election committee.

 

Another powerful political action committee, Inland Empire PAC, which is run by Colonies developer Jeff Burum, gave $3,000 to the taxpayers association.

 

Inland Empire PAC has also supported appointed 1st District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, who is vying for election June 3.

 

State Assemblyman Bill Emmerson, R-Redlands, who is running for re-election as well, gave $5,000 to the taxpayers association.

 

After receiving the contributions from elected officials in April and May, the taxpayers association in turn gave more than $57,000 to Hansberger's re-election campaign.

 

The taxpayers association paid nearly $53,000 for services provided by a graphic-design and mailing company in Auburn, according to campaign records.