PRESS RELEASE
Contact: For release:
John St. Croix January 24, 2006
(415) 581-2300
SAN FRANCISCO
ETHICS COMMISSION ANNOUNCES NEW CAMPAIGN FINANCE SEARCH ENGINE
The San Francisco Ethics Commission today announces the public release of a new campaign finance search engine that will enhance public access to information and make searching easier. The new search engine is the result of a collaborative effort between the Ethics Commission and the Department of Telecommunications and Information Services (DTIS). The public can use the search engine to research political contributions, expenditures and loans for committees with activity of at least $5,000 in contributions or independent expenditures in a calendar year. Financial information can be viewed in browsable reports or with user customized results showing activity at the individual level and summary totals.
The search engine’s new features focus on the usability and functionality of the campaign finance data. Enhancements to the search engine include phonetic searches, a redesigned user interface, and customizable search criteria to refine the data. Results can be viewed in a sortable web interface or downloaded in a new XML format, in addition to the current Excel compatible CSV format. The search engine now offers full compatibility for both Windows and Macintosh using a variety of browser platforms including Internet Explorer, Firefox and Safari. The Ethics Commission continues to work towards expanded browser and platform compatibility with all of its electronic systems.
The Ethics Commission remains committed to enhancing the use of electronic campaign systems in order to expand public access to campaign information.
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The Ethics Commission, established in November 1993, serves the public, City employees and officials and candidates for public office through education and enforcement of ethics laws. Its duties include: filing and auditing of campaign finance disclosure statements, lobbyist and campaign consultant registration and regulation, administration of the public financing program, whistleblower program, conflict of interest reporting, investigations and enforcement, education and training, advice giving and statistical reporting.
S:\PRESS\PRESS RELEASES\Campaign Finance Releases\Campaign Finance Search Engine Press Release.doc