PRESS RELEASE
Contact: For release:
John St. Croix April 14, 2008
(415) 252-3100
SUMMARY OF ACTIONS TAKEN AT APRIL 14, 2008 MEETING
At its meeting on April 14, 2008, the San Francisco Ethics Commission took the following actions:
- Discussed proposed legislation to amend section 2.113 to the Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code to require lobbyists to wear identification badges distributed by the Ethics Commission. The Commission directed the Executive Director to relay its concerns to Supervisor Daly, the author of the legislation.
- Approved for final adoption, by several 5-0 votes, the draft Statements of Incompatible Activities (“SIAs”) of the following departments: Public Health Department and Health Commission, Municipal Transportation Agency, Public Utilities Commission, Assessment Appeals Board, Board of Appeals, Human Rights Commission, Planning Department and Planning Commission, and Public Library and Library Commission. The Commission considered, but did not approve for final adoption, the draft SIA of the Fire Department and Fire Commission. SIAs that have been approved for final adoption will not go into effect until thirty days after all SIAs have been finally adopted.
- Considered a draft report on the public financing program for Mayoral candidates in the November 2007 election, which also discussed the feasibility and costs of converting the partial public financing program for Mayoral candidates into a full public financing program. The report, which will be issued to the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors, satisfies the requirement of section 1.156 of the San Francisco Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code.
- Approved proposed amendments to Ethics Regulation 3.218-2 to set forth ways in which a department, board or commission could provide notice to its officers and employees of the Statement of Incompatible Activities (SIA). The Commission also discussed but did not approve other proposed regulations that address provisions of the SIA related to advance written determination, investigations and penalties.
The Commission’s next regular meeting will be held on Monday, May 12, 2008, at 5:30 p.m. in Room 408 City Hall.
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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.