EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
TO THE SAN FRANCISCO ETHICS COMMISSION
For the Regular Meeting of June 24, 2013
1. Budget.
On June 4, the Mayor issued his proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal years. Under the proposal, the Commission’s budget is $4,356,950 in FY 2013-2014, which includes $1,903,559 for the Election Campaign Fund (ECF); and $4,449,444 in FY 2014-2015, which includes $1,906,395 for the ECF. On June 17, the Budget and Finance Committee approved the proposed operating budget for the Ethics Commission for FY 13/14 of $2,453,391. This represents an increase of $197,152 over this year’s budget. The funds for the ECF are mandated by statute and do not require BOS approval.
2. Investigation and enforcement program.
As of June 18, 2013, there are 24 pending formal complaints alleging violations within the Ethics Commission’s jurisdiction.
| Category | # of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Campaign Finance | 10 |
| Conflict of Interest | 9 |
| Governmental Ethics | 0 |
| Lobbyist Ordinance | 0 |
| Campaign Consultant Ordinance | 2 |
| Sunshine Ordinance | 3 |
| TOTAL | 24 |
3. Campaign finance disclosure program.
a. Filing deadline. The most recent filing deadline was on January 31, 2013 for the Second Semi-Annual statement, which covers the reporting period ending December 31, 2012. The next filing deadline that applies to all campaign filers is July 31, 2013 for the First Semi-Annual Statement, which covers the reporting period ending June 30, 2013.
Due to recent changes to the Campaign Finance Reform Ordinance and Ethics Commission regulations (anticipated to take effect on June 21, 2013), all committees must now file electronic statements and complete the electronic signature requirements. Staff has informed treasurers and candidates about the new requirements and has provided detailed instructions. Staff continues to inform and assist committees during this transition.
b. Collection of late filing fees and contribution forfeitures. In the FY12-13, as of June 18, the Commission collected a total of $46,084.25 in campaign finance late fees and forfeitures. Outstanding late fees and forfeitures total $16,423.84, of which waiver requests are pending for $210; and $6,659 is pending at the Bureau of Delinquent Revenues (BDR).
c. Status of accounts to San Francisco Bureau of Delinquent Revenues (BDR). The following chart provides details on active accounts referred to BDR:
| # | Committee/ Filer |
ID # | Treasurer or Responsible Officer | Date referral effective | Original amount referred | Last month’s balance | Current balance (Changes are in bold) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johnny K. Wang JKW Political Consulting |
100716 | Johnny K. Wang | 4/19/11 | $4,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 |
| 2 | Coalition to Elect Chris Jackson to Community College Board | 1302351 | Chris Jackson | 6/17/11 | 2,658.90 | $2,658.90 | 2,658.90 |
| TOTAL | $6,659 |
4. Revenues report.
For FY 12-13, the Commission was budgeted to generate $100,000 in revenues. As of June 15, 2013, the Commission received $123,979 as summarized below. The figure represents collection of approximately 123 percent of expected revenues for FY 12-13.
Revenues received as of June 15, 2013:
| Source | Budgeted Amount FY 12-13 | Receipts |
|---|---|---|
| Lobbyist Fees | $27,000 | $48,575 |
| Other Ethics General | $1,000 | $113 |
| Campaign Finance Fines | $50,000 | $46,084 |
| Campaign Consultant Fees | $18,000 | $7,950 |
| Lobbyist Fines | $1,000 | $600 |
| Statements of Economic Interests Fines | $1,000 | $5,580 |
| Other Ethics Fines | $1,000 | $14,477 |
| Campaign Consultant Fines | $1,000 | $600 |
| Unallocated | $0 | $0 |
| Total | $100,000 | $123,979 |
5. Lobbyist program.
As of June 18, 2013, 86 individual lobbyists were registered with the Commission. Total revenues collected to date are $49,175, including $48,575 in lobbyist registration fees and $600 in late fines. The filing deadline for the next lobbyist disclosure statement is July 15, 2013.
6. Campaign Consultant program.
As of June 18, 2013, 20 campaign consultants were registered with the Commission. $7,950 in registration fees and $600 in fines have been collected so far during the 2012-2013 fiscal year. The next campaign consultant quarterly report deadline is Monday, September 16, 2013. Staff will send reminders to all active campaign consultants two weeks before the deadline.
7. Statements of Economic Interests.
As of June 17, 2013, 617 filers have filed their Form 700 statements (including annual, leaving office or assuming office statements) with the Commission. Staff continues to process and post forms on the Commission’s website.
As of June 17, 2013, there were 17 non-filers who have not filed their Form 700 (including annual, leaving office or assuming office statements) with the Commission. If their forms are not received by June 20, 2013, staff will refer their non-filing status to the Fair Political Practices Commission’s (FPPC) enforcement division for investigation and possible prosecution.
As of June 17, 2013, there were 37 non-filers who have filed neither Sunshine Ordinance Declaration nor Certificate of Ethics Training forms with the Commission, 32 non-filers who have not filed Certificate of Ethics Training forms with the Commission, and 27 non-filers who have not filed Sunshine Ordinance Declaration forms with the Commission. On June 17, 2013, staff sent notices to these non-filers to inform them that they need to file with the Commission immediately.
8. Outreach and Education.
Staff conducted a training session on May 1, 2013 for candidates and their treasurers about campaign finance requirements, the voluntary expenditure ceilings applicable to each race (City Attorney, Treasurer, Assessor/Recorder) and the public financing program applicable to candidates for the District 4 seat on the Board of Supervisors.
The Commission continues to offer trainings on Statements of Incompatible Activities to City departments via web trainings. The following are web video trainings available on the Commission website:
- Department of Building Inspection SIA Training
- Candidates’ Training
- Controller’s Office SIA Training
- Department on the Environment SIA Training
- Governmental Ethics Ordinance Training for City Employees
- Lobbyist Ordinance Training
- Medical Examiner’s Office SIA Training
- Non-Candidate Recipient Committee Training
- Public Utilities Commission SIA Training
- SIA Template Language Training
9. Meeting of California ethics agencies.
On June 11, 2013, Ethics Commission staff met with staff members from the Fair Political Practices Commission, the Los Angeles Ethics Commission, San Diego Ethics Commission and Oakland Ethics Commission. Throughout the day-long meeting in Sacramento, staff from the different agencies learned and exchanged ideas about the FPPC’s new gift reporting app, upcoming and recent legislative and regulatory developments, enforcement matters and education programs. It was a very fruitful gathering.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
John St. Croix
Executive Director
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