EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
TO THE SAN FRANCISCO ETHICS COMMISSION
For the Regular Meeting of July 22, 2013
1. Budget.
On July 16, the Board of Supervisors adopted – on second reading – a proposed budget for FY 2013/14 of $4,531,950 for the Ethics Commission (an increase of $175,000 over the Mayor’s proposed budget of $4,356,950). This represents a total increase of $376,403 over this year’s budget. The total includes $1,903,559 for the Election Campaign Fund (ECF) and $2,628,391 for the operating budget. The final budget now goes to the Mayor for his signature.
2. Investigation and enforcement program.
As of July 15, 2013, there are 20 pending formal complaints alleging violations within the Ethics Commission’s jurisdiction.
| Category | # of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Campaign Finance | 9 |
| Conflict of Interest | 8 |
| Governmental Ethics | 0 |
| Lobbyist Ordinance | 0 |
| Campaign Consultant Ordinance | 2 |
| Sunshine Ordinance | 1 |
| TOTAL | 20 |
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, 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. For the FY12-13 ending June 30, the Commission collected a total of $46,414.75 in campaign finance late fees and forfeitures. Outstanding late fees and forfeitures total $15,880.84, 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 as of June 30, 2013:
| # | 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 30, 2013, the Commission received $129,832, as summarized below. The figure represents collection of approximately 129 percent of expected revenues for FY 12-13.
Revenues received as of June 30, 2013:
| Source | Budgeted Amount FY 12-13 | Receipts |
|---|---|---|
| Lobbyist Fees | $27,000 | $48,575 |
| Other Ethics General | $1,000 | $114 |
| Campaign Finance Fines | $50,000 | $46,414 |
| Campaign Consultant Fees | $18,000 | $7,900 |
| Lobbyist Fines | $1,000 | $600 |
| Statements of Economic Interests Fines | $1,000 | $5680 |
| Other Ethics Fines | $1,000 | $14,477 |
| Campaign Consultant Fines | $1,000 | $800 |
| Unallocated | $0 | $5,272 |
| Total | $100,000 | $129,832 |
5. Lobbyist program.
As of July 15, 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 August 15, 2013.
6. Campaign Consultant program.
As of July 12, 2013, 21 campaign consultants were registered with the Commission. $7,900 in registration fees and $800 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 had 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 July 3, 2013, the following 15 non-filers were referred to the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) enforcement division for investigation and possible prosecution for not filing their required SEI forms:
| Filer | Department | Statement Type |
|---|---|---|
| Henry Alvarez III | Housing Authority & Workforce Investment Board | Annual & Leaving |
| Regina Callan | Citizens General Obligation Bond Oversight Committee | Annual |
| Penny Coulter | Fine Arts Museums | Annual |
| Don Griffin | Community College District & Workforce Investment Board | Annual |
| Wheeler Griffith | Fine Arts Museums | Annual |
| Cynthia Gunn | Fine Arts Museums | Annual |
| Holly Harris | Fine Arts Museums | Annual |
| Laure Headrick | Fine Arts Museums | Annual |
| Janet Lamkin | Fine Arts Museums | Annual |
| Walter Park | Access Appeals Commission | Annual |
| Alfonso Perez | Entertainment Commission | Annual |
| Tom Quigley | Workforce Investment Board | Annual |
| Susan Swartz | Fine Arts Museums | Annual |
| Lynette Sweet | Redevelopment Agency Oversight Board | Leaving |
| Jackson West | Sunshine Ordinance Task Force | Annual |
8. Outreach and Education.
On June 26, staff conducted a trainings session for members and employees of the Entertainment Commission on conflict of interest laws and the Entertainment Commission’s Statement of Incompatible Activities. Staff was impressed by the number of questions and hypothetical scenarios that were raised.
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
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
John St. Croix
Executive Director
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