In
2005, before he became superintendent, Tom Luna borrowed $600,000 to
buy three homes in a development outside Phoenix. He hoped to make money
on the rising housing market. Within four years, Luna had turned
the property back to his lenders along with a cash settlement. He
refused to discuss settlement details, but said he dipped into
retirement and savings accounts to meet his debt obligations. The
properties were sold at public auction in 2009, according to records in
the Pinal County recorder's office. He said he is free and clear of any
debt associated with the loans. He also settled a claim by the
development's home-owners association for back payments, which Luna said
were between $4,000 and $6,000. Association officials declined comment/Bill Roberts, Idaho Statesman. More here. (AP file photo)
Question: Did Superintendent of Schools Tom Luna handle his real estate speculation problem to your satisfaction? Or would you like to hear the details about it?
D.F. (Dave) Oliveria joined The Spokesman-Review in 1984. He currently is a columnist and compiles the Huckleberries Online blog and writes about North Idaho in his Huckleberries column.