EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
TO THE SAN FRANCISCO ETHICS COMMISSION
For the Regular Meeting of April 28, 2014
1. Budget/Staffing.
We have chosen an applicant to fill the vacant auditor position. The appointment will be final when all requirements for Human Resources processing have been completed.
2. Investigation and enforcement program.
As of April 17, 2014, there were 23 pending formal complaints alleging violations within the Ethics Commission’s jurisdiction.
| Category | # of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Campaign Finance | 16 |
| Conflict of Interest | 2 |
| Governmental Ethics | 0 |
| Lobbyist Ordinance | 0 |
| Campaign Consultant Ordinance | 2 |
| Sunshine Ordinance | 3 |
| TOTAL | 23 |
3. Campaign finance disclosure program.
a. Filing deadline. The most recent filing deadline was on January 31, 2014 for the First Semi Annual statement, which covers the reporting period ending December 31, 2013. Of the 183 committees required to file on this deadline, only two have not yet filed and staff is pursuing those entities (one is an office holder and one is a general purpose committee). The next filing deadline is March 24, 2014 for the First Pre-Election statement, which covers the reporting period ending March 17, 2014.
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 March 31, the Commission collected a total of $13,736 in campaign finance late fees and forfeitures. Outstanding late fees and forfeitures total $18,870, of which $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 January 31, 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 FY 13-14, the Commission is budgeted to generate $100,000 in revenues. As of April 17, 2014, the Commission received $82,159 as summarized below. The figure represents collection of approximately 82 percent of expected revenues for FY 13-14, 80 percent of the fiscal year having elapsed.
Revenues received as of April 17, 2014:
| Source | Budgeted Amount FY 13-14 | Receipts |
|---|---|---|
| Lobbyist Fees | $27,000 | $57,500 |
| Other Ethics General | $1,000 | $12 |
| Campaign Finance Fines | $50,000 | $13,174 |
| Campaign Consultant Fees | $18,000 | $5,100 |
| Lobbyist Fines | $1,000 | $200 |
| Statements of Economic Interests Fines | $1,000 | $1,410 |
| Other Ethics Fines | $1,000 | $4,713 |
| Campaign Consultant Fines | $1,000 | $50 |
| Unallocated | $0 | $0 |
| Total | $100,000 | $82,159 |
5. Lobbyist program.
As of April 17, 2014, 100 individual lobbyists were registered with the Commission. Total revenues collected to date for the 2013-2014 fiscal year amount to $57,700, with $57,500 in lobbyist registration fees and $200 in fines. The filing deadline for the next lobbyist disclosure statement is May 15, 2014.
6. Campaign Consultant program.
As of April 18, 2014, 21 campaign consultants were registered with the Commission. $6,100 in registration fees and fines and have been collected so far during the 2013-2014 fiscal year. The next campaign consultant quarterly report deadline is Monday, June 16, 2014, covering the reporting period from March 1, 2014 through May 31, 2014. Staff will send reminders to all active campaign consultants before the deadline.
7. Statements of Economic Interests.
Four hundred seventy-two (472) City officers, department heads and commissioners filed their annual Form 700s electronically using the NetFile system by the April 1 deadline. (An additional 13 individuals filed as of April 21st.) This resulted in an on-time filing rate of 91 percent, which represents an increase of 2 percent from last year. The total number of individuals filing with the Commission this year also increased to 517 from last year’s number of 488.
While a few found filing online to be a challenge, most filers were able to successfully file their electronic Form 700 without assistance.
Thirty-one (31) individuals have not yet filed their Form 700s; they will be e-mailed reminders. Individuals who fail to file after receiving the e-mailed reminder will receive a written notification of delinquency from the Commission in early May and, if needed, another in early June. Individuals who fail to respond after the second notification will be referred to the Fair Political Practices Commission for enforcement in early July, 2014.
8. Outreach and Education.
On April 17, 2014, an educational meeting was held with a delegation from the Liaoning Province (in Northeast China).
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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