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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - February 15, 1984 (20)L �. > :Wt 3 CITY.;CMIL MEUINQ L.FTr R FWM City Clerk Reimche prevented the following letter which had CONMN"N DCN been received from Congressman Don Edwards regarding early EEWAMS RE election day projections: EARLY ELBCrl(N DAY Pll JBCTICNS "As you know, -,arty election -day projections have ec4M to play a Qignificant role in discouraging participation in our electoral process, particularly in G.iifornia,. In 1980, E witnessed a three percent decline in turnout, about 400,000 California voters, and watched citizena actually leave the polls because of the projections by broadcasters. I feel that it i.; in the national interest for the broadcasters to act responsibly by voluntarily refraining from early election projections, but apparently, the networks don't perceive they are interfering with citizens' constitutional rights. Clearly, there is a growing concern in the West about the effect of early election projections. According to ;several • polls, 71% of Western voters believe that broadcasters should not have annoo.meed their p ro j ec t i ons until all the polis had closed and 64% favor prohibiting early projections entirely. Because I firmly t)elteve that a persons vote is a precious right and that everyone's vote counts and because the broadcasters have refused to act. responsibly, I stn introducing a Resolution in Congress this month calling upon �. the broadcasters to take voluntary action, i have enclosed a copy for your infonmtion. I encourage and welcome your support. If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to call me (202) 225-3072, or Debbie McFarland and Pam Barry at (202) 226-2313. I look forward to receiving your cco encs and working with you on this issue. Sincerely, s/Don Edwards Member of Congress." Ab fomial action was taken by the Council on this matter. DON EDWARD: /OM L%MVU SV. CM.�ar�A COMMIT I ON .R)DICIARY CO&AMU M ounco sum n CM CIVIC AM CovaTITLTIOMAI MIOMTI COMMITT[t ON VCTIM&NS' ArrAIRS nj Comm of the Nnittb btateo_ Y$ouoe of Atprdtntatibto 4"in&n, ]D.C. 20515 January 20, 1984 Honorable Evelyn Olson Mayor 221 W. Pine St. P.O. Box 320 Lodi, California 95240 Dear Mayor Olson: M AIy"101p„ Ate, car* to -cost • - IOU TNt AtanmA ?ib WAIfe'rADW PANMA7 rMM"an. son »z -&UD As you know, early election -day projections have come to play a significant role in discouraging participation in our electoral process, particularly in California. In 1980, we witnessed a three percent decline in turnout, about 400,000 California voters, and watched citizens actually leave the polis because of the projections by broadcasters. I feel that it is in the national interest for the broadcasters to act responsibly by voluntarily refraining from early election projections, but apparently, the networks don't perceive they are interfering with citizens' constitutional rights. Clearly, there is a growing concern in the West about the effect of early election projections. according to several polls, 71% of Western votes believe that broadcasters should not have announced their projections until all the polls had closed and 64% favor prohibiting early projections entirely. Because I firmly believe that a person's vote is a precious right and that everyone's vote counts and because the broadcasters have refused to act responsibly, I am introducing a Resolution in Congress this month calling upon the broadcasters to take voluntary action. I have enclosed a copy for your information. I encourage and welcome your support. If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to call me (202) 225-.3072, or Debbie McFarland and Pam Barry at (202) 226-2313. I look forward to receiving your comments and working with you on this issue. Sincerely, Don Edwards Member of Congress DE/pab 981MCONGRESS , . . r"' 3@ SESSION H. RES. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES _ _- RESOLUTION Calling upon the television and radio industry and other members of the news media to voluntarily refrain from projecting presidential election results or making predictions in presidential elections until all the polls throughout the United States have closed. Whereas in 1980, on the west coast, electronic media made presidential election projections at 3:30 post meridian; Whereas the voter turnout in 1980 was the lowest since 1948; Whereas in 1980, 3 percent of registered voters in the Western United States reported that they did not go to the polls because of early election projections by television and radio; Whereas in 1980, countless eyewitnesses reported individuals leaving polling places following announcements by broadcasters of a projected presidential winner-; Whereas rapidly developing technology and techniques make it probable that projections will be made earlier in future elections; Whereas a decline in voter participation is an unacceptable trend for a healthy, vibrant political environment; Whereas early election projections do not serve any significant societal societal purpose and are unnecessary and potentially damaging to the political process and voter participation; Whereas the right of Americans to cast informed and educated votes is the cornerstone of our democracy and freedom of the press is intended to further- that basic right; and Whereas Congress has a compelling interest and inherent duty to protect the voting rights of all Americans and to seek an increase in participation in the electoral process: Now, 1 therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives 2 calls upon the television and radio industry and other- members 3 of the news media to voluntarily refrain from projecting 4 presidential election results or making predictions in 5 presidential elections until all the polls throughout the United 6 States have closed. ``}WMITTEE TO REFORM SPENDING I..*CTICES IN THE CALIFORNIA LEGIStATUijE_ _ (SHORT TITLE OPERATION SLUSH•tFUND)• (-17 January 26, 1984 Tracy City Council Manteca City Council Ripon City Council Lodi City Council Dear Councilmemters: • c ANON o.. MprFsfl; Chairamn 625 Newg lte Wysy. Di:Oon. Cahform&_9_%620 ►nont i9r61 678.2543 Li This will supplement the request of Sala Joaquin County Taxpayers' Association, Inc., in its letter of December 6, 1983, a copy of which Is attached. We appeal to the addressees to participate in the ever -widening resolution of "local goverrunents" to force a halt to the obscenity targeted by this non-partisan, non-profit, state-wide, grass-roots, citizen's group. In addition to eight other local governments, Operation Slush Fund has been endorsed by the cities of Escalon and Stockton and the Board of Supervisors, San Joaquin County. We enclose a copy of the Stockton resolution, together with a copy of the Stockton letter addressed Senator John Garamendi, et al. Additionally, we enclose an editorial, one of many, which we helve reflects the views of taxpayers across California. Your resolution of support will do much to cause an early cessation to this practice which has contributed to the loss of credibility of our Legislature. Sincerely, Ralph % Morrell. Chairman Operation Slush Fund Attachments San Joaquin County Taxpayers' Assn. ltr. Dec. 6, 1984 City of Stockton Resolution City of Stockton 1 tr. - Sen. John Caramendi, et al. Editorial, Jan. 22, 1984. Enterprise Record, Chico. cc$ San Joaquin County Taxpayers' hse'r.. inc. w/copy of attachments -our government is int pots►.t. the r:anipresent teacher. for good O• for ill it leaches the wnole poor— oy example. Clime is contagious. If the govemment becomes the lawbreaker, it breeds contempt for law, it invites every man to become a low unto himself. rt invites anarchy." --U. S Justice ars"ols. (18WI941) r :(1\n?:'.'}-►:?:1F'.�i;":,'��7.2��:r� r�:�(•�( :;rY,'�;i;��.� �:_1`:'r.ti:? •�:�� :cw,•y..t _,� t I t � iaA 'A' ........._!_.� taSSO 1A►TION, INC. Cecc mix : 6. 194Z:.3 EXECUnVE COXUKrrME IM•34 1 Dc Sit» San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors 'A N* Stockton City Council Roes:Tracy City Council Ham 0, Manteca City Council '"�•" Ripon City Council Emon .,�. Escalon City Council DIREC'T'ORS Lodi City Council Dw ca" - Jo Dear Supervisors and Councilmemberss Tern Kim Mont*McFall _ s The San Joaq-ai n County Taxpayers Association s tater �r� %ark o'7oote extremely concerne� about the Legislative "Slush Fund" Jim rukhuon Paul SaaprieWtd. Jr. Which exists in the state of California. This slush Fddie Simas fund, which currently exceeds 120 million dollars ," JCM eis annually, exists pursuant to Section 9130 of the Government Code. This fund is specifically exempted from the provisions of Section 925.6 of the Government Code, which provides for auditing. Our legislature has set itself in an exalted position, exempt from the standard requirement of accountability for the public monies it spends. Attached you will find a copy of a Resolution that has been approved by a number of cities and counties in California. We request that you place this mater on your agenda for consideration at the earliest convenient time. Please notify the San Joaquin County Taxpayers Association of the date and time. Also, please notify Mr. Ralph Morrell, Operation Slush Fund Chairman, 825 Newgate Way, Dixon, CA 95620, (916) 678-2543, of the date and time, so that he may be present to fully advise you on this matter of utmost importance to every tax- axpayer payerand voter in this state. Thank you for your time and for your consideration. Sincerely, q4'U#A-' -,,e .44 }GGt-6'>`J Joseph R. De Silva President JRDeS/pg Incl Sample resolution :(1\n?:'.'}-►:?:1F'.�i;":,'��7.2��:r� r�:�(•�( :;rY,'�;i;��.� �:_1`:'r.ti:? •�:�� :cw,•y..t _,� 1 C TY C3P T1DN Of F KE OF THE CITY MANAGER STOCKTON.CA 95202 TEICN.►Go"t I010941•02*7 January 18, 1984 Senator John Garamendi State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814 OPERATION SLUSH FUND On January 16, 1984, the Str.Aton City Council adopted Resolution `'o. 40,329 supporting the c:c•ncept of Ralph Morrell's operation "Slush Fund" campaign. As directed by the Council. I an writing to urge your assistance in enacting legislation which would repeal, the provisions of the government code. that exempts these funds from public scrutiny. We strongly support Mr. Morrell's proposal and urge your support as Well. RAY CEZ C:.Y MNAN GEP RC/LR: sr Enclosure cc: Mr. Ralph Morrell League of California Cities City Council City Attorney City Clerk Iientical letters sent Assemblyman Norm maters and Assemblyman Pat Johnston. • Resoletion No 3u z J STOCKTON CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION SUPPORTING OPERATION "SLUSH FUND" AND RESTRICTIONS ON EXPENDITURES OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMSLT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA WHEREAS. the Government Code of the State of California exempts the Legislative Contingency and Printing Funds from the: State Controllers audit process; and WHEREAS. the Legislature has appropriated for its own operations for the 1981-82 Fiscal year. an &Mount In excess of 30 percent (302) &bow* the previous year disregarding the taxpayer demands for reduced spending which Many citizens view as a legislative "Slush Fund"; and WHEREAS. these expenditures are a wasteful consumption of tax dollars which should be applied to public services-; and WHEREAS. the expenditure of all other agencies w;thiq State government are. according to Government Code. subject to audit by the State Controller; and WHEREAS. according to law. the tax returns of all Californians are subject to audit by the State. NOW. THEREFORE. It IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Stockton supports the sins of "Operation Slush Fund" and urge our elected represent -It -Owes to enact appropriate legislation to repeal the provisions of Section 9130 of the Government Coln, which exempts these funds from the provisions of Section 925.6 (/Audit) of the Government Code. PASSE'#. APPROVED and ADOPTED this1� 6T th day of January 198. /S/ RAAMY ROAM ATTEST; ANO LL --RANOP RONS, Mayor of the City of Stockton r /S/ FRANCES HONG RAM HONG City Clerk of the City of Stockton L f renew N.M. ewsNV #kat Ohl, demmm+ews is a IN an ami Ares --- Counclinember Clayton. Coals. aee.+et"pv t Rf,. .b1M a /M..-�-•f=repwdfrsM Oliva. Parkinson, Sousa. & Aar wPa nd wyor �► . e+tr c.wee+t of she eM of sawstemen—`�_ — .w. +.. *Ae &#1%"ed t"Wdy/G.rs of Cho chit ed 4AISu"41. Jell. 22. IW4IGaeo EMMpnWA*eprd Chico Enierpriae-R eeord len M &an* Editorial Page A poal¢+ll► -4000-4411 ft"SO&O W —r—O p..On41.e pr " tn/4•p1/4 0vol-sn-lp Ce Cl�c4 Gaal . Mn Loom Otfto. 1i/00.M :�11.c4 MaMA WOW kWSWO DO."" W 0. ry m4 1 ?Wt"I Assuga M rt t+rW Mot Saw M► r0A0r00.6 rdo rw •0p tilbr lo[MI► Op Waled "-b" a� Oo1 vv 1.00-0 0,o p Defending the indefensible Most E -R readers are (a. mlliar with the efforts of Dixon retired Navy war- rant officer activist Ralph Morrell's effort to elimi- nate what he calls immoral and illegal legislative waste. Under the banner of Op- eration Slush Fund, a state. wide non-partisan, non- profit organization be founded some two years ago. Horsell has been seek- ing repeal of California Government Code Section 9130 that governs how legis- lative expense records are filed. While Sec. 925.6 of the Government Code requires that claims submitted to the controller shall be au- dited by him before any payment is m.:dt. provi- sions of Sec. 7130, say that "contingent" funds are not subjeci to Sec. 925.6. On that absurd legal loop- hole. alade into law by deceitful legislators, reim- bursement claim submit- ted to the controller's office for payment from the con- tingent (otherwise known as slush) fund are routinely paid and in this manner.: millions of taxpayer dollars are being spent capri-, ciously via petty cash vounchers without benefit of the auditing process that all other expenditure of taxpayer dollars are re- quMed to ga through. Last year $120 mullion reportedly were spent in support of the activities of the Legislature. The specif- ics of those expenditures, which is said to be up an incredible 103 percent in only four years. included everything from jewelry to donuts to auto repair, are known but to those who freely spend the hard- earned taxpayer dollars so they can live like royalty in the kingdom of Sacra- mento. ControLler Ken Cory has shied away from auditing the slush fund for obvious political reasons_ He has begged off claiming that he can do so at his discretion and that he has no reason to question the reimb-x se ment expenditures presented to him. So Morrell took the mat- ter to the Legislature, be- lieving there must be enough honest souls there agreeing that the practice is morally reprehensible. Although some admitted the slush fund was being abused. and some even tried to correct it through proposed legislation. the issue and Morrell, was quickly and predictably ig- nored- Undaunted, Morrell, with the Paradise Tcwn Council Serving as conduit, took his case to the League of Cahi- fornia Cities. The Paradise Town Coun. cil adopted a resolution pointing out that Sec. 9130 wording makes it impracti- cal for claims, illegal or otherwise, to be rejected by the controller or scrutinized by the public, and con- demning non -documented legislative spending prac- tices. In turning thumbs down on the effort to clean up this legislative abuse, the League used the flimsy ex- cuse that it was a legisla- tive matter outside their bailiwick. Being the persistent man that he is — and taxpayers of the state ought to be thankful- for that — Morrell then filed a lawsuit in Sac- ramento Super -tor Court. seeking an injunction to order the Legislature to cease giving free food. from the proverbial donut to gourmet meals, paid out of the contingent fund, while legislators are receiv- ing per diem payments which currently amount to $62 a day. The state Constitution prohibits perks, such as money for free food, except that which is established. such as by per diem pay- ments. In retaliation, the Legis- lature hired a private Sac- ramento law firm to defend Morrell's charges of spend. ing abuses, and at this firm's request the court has ordered Morrell's corn. plaint be refiled because it was "too vague." This hired counsel, which taxpayers are prying for, claims the complaint didn't give a specific date when the spending abuses began. That would stern to be irrelevant to the crux of the issue at hand. Noaf,4beless. the complaint will be re. fiird with abuses hated back to 1981. More and more eitteem of late have perceived that lawmakers art arrogant big spenders who are more interested in being re- elected than sewing the public. This latest legal move by the Legislature merely confirms iG The public deserves an accounting. by nib-ne, of any member of the Legisla. ture or any committse of the Legislature by whom or for whom a purchase is made utilizing the funds. And there should be pub' lic indignation expressed to each legislator for retain. ing a private law firm to defend their unreported self indulgence at taxpayers' expense. It is a shameful disgrace for the Legishatuft to per. patuate such secretive spending procedures and then defend itself against allegations of time abuses that many legislators have confirmed have oocusted. And it is doubly shameful and disgraceful to me tax- payers' money to defend the indefensible.