Contact:
John St. Croix
(415) 252-3100
For release: March 3, 2010
San Francisco Ethics Commission Announces New Web Site to Disclose Lobbyist Activity
The San Francisco Ethics Commission today announces the release of a new web site to enhance public access to information about lobbyist activity in the City and County of San Francisco.
Under amendments to the San Francisco Lobbyist Ordinance effective January 1, 2010, a lobbyist is any individual who receives or is promised economic consideration of $3,000 or more within three consecutive calendar months for lobbyist services; and on behalf of the persons providing the economic consideration, makes any contact with an officer of the City and County. Lobbyists are required to register with the Commission and disclose activity on a monthly basis.
The web site provides the public with access to the monthly disclosure reports including a directory of lobbyists, firms, clients, and contacted public officials. Lobbyist activity can be searched, including political contributions made or delivered to candidates, contacts of public officials, payments promised by clients, and activity expenses. The web site will be updated every month as lobbyists file disclosure reports.
The new web site is accessible at www.sfethics.org.
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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.
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