FPPC Takes Action to Disclose Backers of Political Campaign Signs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2016
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jay Wierenga
916 322-7761
FPPC Takes Action to Disclose Backers of Political Campaign Signs
To ensure voters have the vital information they need before an election, the FPPC is publicizing those individuals that have violated the law by failing to properly disclose the true source of various political signs.
The first case is in Siskiyou County and involves blue and yellow signs supporting Measures T and U, which are on the ballot for the June 7th primary. The Committee for Measures T & U and its treasurer, Daralyn Reed, have admit to violating the Political Reform Act by not identifying the committee as the source of the signs. Under the Act, advertisements like these must include a statement on the advertisement that identifies the source. The violation includes approximately 500 signs that are 18x24 inches, 50 signs that are 4x4 feet, and 50 signs that are 4x8 feet. None disclose the Committee for Measures T & U as the source of the advertisements. The respondent, Daralyn Reed and the committee, have admitted the violation and consented to the release of this information. The case is still pending with the FPPC Enforcement Division.
The second case involves road signs in Hemet opposing Measure E. The Hemet Taxpayers Association and its treasurer, Robert Righetti, admit to violating the Political Reform Act by not identifying the association as the source of the signs. As in the Siskiyou County case, advertisements of this nature must include a statement on the ad which identifies the source. The Hemet Taxpayers Association is responsible for a handful of signs that are 4x8 feet and say “We Pay Enough Taxes No on E”. However, they don’t disclose the Association as the source. The respondent, Robert Righetti and the association, have admitted the violation and agreed to the release of this information. The case is also pending with the Enforcement Division.
“Our goal is to ensure that all campaign ads provide adequate and timely disclosure of the funders,” said Galena West, FPPC Enforcement Chief. “I’m happy we’ve found a way to achieve disclosure before the election. The spirit of the law is for campaigns to compete fairly, and give the voters the information they deserve and are legally entitled to.”
The FFPC is providing this information in advance of the June primary so the voters of Siskiyou County and Hemet have the information regarding the source of these advertisements, information that should have been included on the advertisements.
Every election, the FPPC takes a number of pro-active measures to make sure campaigns are following the rules. This includes making sure candidates file reports properly, quickly resolving complaints initiated by competing campaigns, and to compel legally required disclosure on political advertising.
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