EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
TO THE SAN FRANCISCO ETHICS COMMISSION
For the Regular Meeting of January 27, 2014
1. Budget/Staffing.
As previously reported, the Outreach/Education Officer position has been filled. Since the last report, the open Auditor position has also been filled. The planned hiring to fill the open Investigator position is pending results of the upcoming budget request. At this month’s meeting, the Commission will consider the budget request for the next fiscal year (2014/15). Staff has prepared a separate memo regarding this request.
2. Investigation and enforcement program.
As of January 21, 2014, there were 21 pending formal complaints alleging violations within the Ethics Commission’s jurisdiction.
| Category | # of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Campaign Finance | 15 |
| Conflict of Interest | 3 |
| Governmental Ethics | 0 |
| Lobbyist Ordinance | 0 |
| Campaign Consultant Ordinance | 2 |
| Sunshine Ordinance | 1 |
| TOTAL | 21 |
3. Campaign finance disclosure program.
a. Filing deadline. The most recent filing deadline was on October 24, 2013 for the Second Pre-Election statement, which covers the reporting period ending October 19, 2013. The next filing deadline is January 31, 2014 for the First Semi Annual statement, which covers the reporting period ending December 31, 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. In the FY 13-14, as of December 31, the Commission collected a total of $3,614 in campaign finance late fees and forfeitures. Outstanding late fees and forfeitures total $24,686, of which waiver requests are pending for $210; and $13,260 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 October 31, 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 |
| 3 | Chris Jackson For Community College Board | 1347066 | Chris Jackson | 7/12/13 | $6,600.94 | $6,600.94 | $6,600.94 |
| TOTAL | $13,260 |
4. Revenues report.
For FY 13-14, the Commission is budgeted to generate $100,000 in revenues. As of January 21, 2014, the Commission received $32,710, as summarized below. The figure represents collection of approximately .32 percent of expected revenues for FY 13-14.
Revenues received as of January 21, 2014:
| Source | Budgeted Amount FY 13-14 | Receipts |
|---|---|---|
| Lobbyist Fees | $27,000 | $19,000 |
| Other Ethics General | $1,000 | $4 |
| Campaign Finance Fines | $50,000 | $3,614 |
| Campaign Consultant Fees | $18,000 | $3,150 |
| Lobbyist Fines | $1,000 | $100 |
| Statements of Economic Interests Fines | $1,000 | $1,510 |
| Other Ethics Fines | $1,000 | $4,663 |
| Campaign Consultant Fines | $1,000 | $50 |
| Unallocated | $0 | $0 |
| Total | $100,000 | $32,091 |
5. Lobbyist program.
As of January 21, 2014, 95 individual lobbyists were registered with the Commission. Total revenues collected to date for the 2013-2014 fiscal year amount to $19,100, with $19,000 in lobbyist registration fees and $100 in fines. The filing deadline for the next lobbyist disclosure statement is February 17, 2014.
6. Campaign Consultant program.
As of January 21, 2014, 17 campaign consultants were registered with the Commission. $3,200 in registration fees and fines and have been collected so far during the 2013-2014 fiscal year. In addition, a $200 refund was paid to a consultant who had overpaid fees in fiscal year 2012-2013. The next campaign consultant quarterly report deadline is Monday, March 17, 2014. Staff will send reminders to all active campaign consultants before the deadline.
7. Statements of Economic Interests.
On January 2, 2014, the Commission’s electronic filing system, NetFile, became available to the City’s 527 elected officials, department heads and members of decision-making boards or commissions who are now required to file their Form 700 electronically. As of January 21, 2014, 27 Form 700s have been filed.
In preparation for the April 1, 2014 due date for Form 700, a memorandum outlining the duties of Department Heads and Filing Officers has been circulated, and trainings have been scheduled for February 5, 2014 and March 5, 2014. Two additional training sessions will be offered if there is sufficient interest.
Staff has identified 139 individuals who failed to have current Certificates of Ethics Training on file with the Commission. These individuals will be contacted and advised to provide current Certificates immediately.
8. Outreach and Education.
On December 2, 2013, staff met with a group of delegates from central and local departments of human resources and social security of China regarding the Commission’s effort in promoting the high standards of ethical behavior among government employees.
On December 12, 2013, staff met with a group of members of the Chinese General Administration of Customs to discuss the mission and function of the Commission and ethical standards of conduct for civil servants.
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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