Here it is, February 19, and still no campaign final report from the Chico Police Officers Association, which were due January 31. I don’t know if the clerk has the reports, but she hasn’t posted them on the website.
The City Clerk’s Office will post copies of all current election campaign statements as soon as possible after receipt. Addresses of individual contributors have been omitted as required under the Public Records Act for internet posting. Please note that a prima facie review of the documents has not been done prior to posting, and amendments may be requested of the candidates or committees.
“…as soon as possible after receipt...” without “prima facie review”, which should mean it gets posted as soon as they get their hands on it.
No, I’m not going to her office. That’s what the website is for. The idea that we have to interrupt our work day to go to her office to ask for documents that are supposed to be readily available to the public is another reason we need to get somebody else in this job. The city clerk should be elected, she is supposed to answer to the public. She runs our elections, she can actually make candidates or pacs do stuff, or not, at her discretion. Right now, because of an ordinance passed in the 2012 election, she is answerable to the council with whom she can choose to be helpful, or not, during an election. You know, don’t bite the hand that makes the campaign rules – mess with Debbie Presson, and you might find her a harsh taskmaster at re-election time. I’m pretty sure that’s a conflict of interest, but I’m not a lawyer.
I’m guessing what she is doing right now is perfectly OK with the council majority. Three of them were elected with money from the CCAG, and I’m guessing, CPOA spent most of their money on Sorensen, Coolidge and Fillmer as well. Why they are dragging their feet with their final report is the question – why can’t the cops obey the law?
At any rate, we will only get as good as we demand.
Chico Taxpayers Association 