Grossmont candidate questioned over potential campaign violations

A review of public videos and state law show possible campaign violations in the Grossmont Healthcare District race

Questions surround Grossmont Healthcare District candidate Brenda Miller for apparent campaign violations, such as campaigning from her job at Palomar Medical Center in Poway. Courtesy photo

COUNTY — An administrative supervisor at Palomar Medical Center in Poway who is running for office is under fire for appearing to have violated state campaign finance laws.

Dr. Brenda Miller, a candidate for the Grossmont Healthcare District Board of Directors and an administrative house supervisor at Palomar, appears to be campaigning for political office while working in uniform and on the job. North County Pipeline reviewed several videos posted to YouTube regarding Miller’s conduct since last year.

Miller is challenging incumbent Dr. Michael Emerson for the Zone 3 seat, along with Nadia Farjood, whose husband is San Diego City Councilman Raul Campillo.

“While these allegations are concerning, I will leave it to the investigative bodies to determine if any violations have occurred,” Farjood said. “Regardless, my campaign is focused on building a healthier future for East County.”

Miller and Emerson both did not respond for comment.

Grossmont Healthcare District Board of Trustee Michael Emerson, left, is being challenged by Nadia Farjood and Brenda Miller for the Zone 3 seat in November. Courtesy image

At least five occasions over the past year Miller has appeared to be campaigning from her job at Palomar via Zoom meetings with the Democratic Women’s Club of San Diego during work hours, and multiple occasions in her nursing uniform. Miller did attempt to obscure her location by blurring the background but sometimes failed.