EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
TO THE SAN FRANCISCO ETHICS COMMISSION
For the Special Meeting of December 16, 2014
1. Budget/Staffing.
The Mayor’s December budget briefing indicated that departments will not be asked to make cuts in their existing budgets in next year’s budget submissions. The Commission will likely consider its budget proposal at the January 2015 regular meeting.
2. Investigation and enforcement program.
As of December 10, 2014, there were 18 pending formal complaints alleging violations within the Ethics Commission’s jurisdiction.
| Category | # of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Campaign Finance | 13 |
| Conflict of Interest | 4 |
| Governmental Ethics | 0 |
| Lobbyist Ordinance | 0 |
| Campaign Consultant Ordinance | 0 |
| Sunshine Ordinance | 1 |
| TOTAL | 18 |
Enforcement Summaries
- On October 27, 2014, the Ethics Commission imposed an administrative penalty of $2,000 against Bob Squeri for committing two violations of San Francisco Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code, section 1.162(a)(1). A copy of the decision and order is available on the Commission’s website.
- On October 27, 2014, the Ethics Commission imposed an administrative penalty of $9,000 against Jacqueline Norman for committing six violations of California Government Code, section 84200(a). A copy of the decision and order is available on the Commission’s website.
- On October 27, 2014, the Ethics Commission entered into a stipulated agreement with Christina Olague. Ms. Olague admitted to committing one violation of California Government Code, section 84211 and agreed to pay a penalty of $500. A copy of the agreement is available on the Commission’s website.
3. Campaign finance disclosure program.
a. Filing deadline. The most recent filing deadline fell on October 23, 2014 for the Second Pre-Election statement, which covers the reporting period ending October 18, 2014. Two filers were added to the Non-Responsive Filers List on October 17, 2014 for failing to file the First Pre-Election statement, period ending September 30, 2014. Since then, one filer has filed their required Pre-Election Statement.
In the interim, staff receives and processes campaign statements for this and other filing deadlines. Staff continues to answer questions from and conduct outreach to candidates and other committee representatives about campaign finance filing obligations. The next filing is February 2, 2015 for the Second Semi Annual statement, which covers the reporting period ending December 31, 2014.
b. Collection of late filing fees and contribution forfeitures. In fiscal year 2014-2015, as of November 30, 2014, the Commission collected a total of $15,395 in campaign finance late fees and forfeitures. Outstanding late fees and forfeitures total $34,253, of which $13,260 is pending at the Bureau of Delinquent Revenues (BDR) and $175 in waiver requests.
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, 2014:
| # | 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 fiscal year 2014-2015, the Commission was budgeted to generate $70,000 in revenues. As of October 15, 2014, the Commission received $35,075 or 50% of anticipated revenues for the year.
| Source | Budgeted Amount FY 14-15 | Receipts |
|---|---|---|
| Lobbyist Fees | $37,000 | $11,000 |
| Other Ethics General | $1,000 | $6 |
| Campaign Finance Fines | $23,000 | $4,289 |
| Campaign Consultant Fees | $5,000 | $7,350 |
| Lobbyist Fines | $1,000 | $0 |
| Statements of Economic Interests Fines | $1,000 | $1,320 |
| Other Ethics Fines | $1,000 | $9,500 |
| Campaign Consultant Fines | $1,000 | $1,610 |
| Unallocated | $0 | $0 |
| Total | $70,000 | $35,075 |
5. Lobbyist program.
As of December 3, 2014, 127 individual lobbyists were registered with the Commission. Total revenues collected to date for the 2014-2015 fiscal year amount to $17,000 in lobbyist registration fees. The filing deadline for the next lobbyist disclosure statement is January 15, 2015.
6. Campaign Consultant program.
As of December 5, 2014, 36 campaign consultants were registered with the Commission. $7,900 in registration fees and $1,610 in fines have been collected so far during the 2014-2015 fiscal year.
The next campaign consultant quarterly report deadline is Monday, December 15, 2014, covering the reporting period from September 1, 2014 through November 30, 2014. Staff sent reminders to all active campaign consultants on December 1, 2014.
7. Statements of Economic Interests.
In preparation for the 2015 Form 700 filing requirements, instructions will be sent to Department Heads in mid-January, 2015. Trainings for filing officers have been scheduled for February 4 and March 4, 2015.
8. Outreach and Education.
On November 13, staff met with a delegation from China of 24 public administration officials to discuss the Commission mission and governmental ethics.
On November 16, I gave a guest lecture on governmental ethics to a class of MPA candidates at the Presidio Graduate School in San Francisco.
On December 3, I gave a guest lecture on governmental and business ethics to a class of MIB candidates at the Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina (via teleconference).
Additionally, 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
Controller’s Office SIA Training
Department on the Environment SIA Training
Governmental Ethics Ordinance Training for City Employees
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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