Published
7 years agoon
State Sen. Andy Vidak (R-Hanford) is turning the pressure on to prevent Isadore Hall from being confirmed to the Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB). After letters to two separate senate committees failed to produce results, he has now going straight to the top in the form of a letter to Gov. Jerry Brown.
“I am writing to request that you immediately withdraw your appointment of Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB) member Isadore Hall,” Vidak wrote. “Hall’s widely reported behavior as an ALRB member since your appointment of him in January has been highly offensive, inappropriate and probably criminal.”
Vidak accused Hall of confronting farmers at a Sacramento hotel the night before his confirmation hearing from the Senate Rules Committee. In that meeting, Hall allegedly said he would “get” farmers that opposed him.
A day later, the committee gave the preliminary thumbs up by a 3-0 margin (Valley Republican Senators Anthony Cannella and Tom Berryhill did not lodge a vote; the former abstained and the latter was absent). The three yes votes came from Democrats.
George Radanovich, the president of the California Fresh Fruit Association, spoke against Hall’s confirmation at the March 1 hearing. He confirms that Hall approached himself and CFFA board members the evening before that Vidak references. However, Radanovich would not disclose to GV Wire the nature of such conversations.
Vidak first wrote a letter to senate president and chairman of the rules committee Kevin de Leon, asking for a pause on Hall’s confirmation process until the allegations could be investigated. Vidak claimed de Leon told him that things had been worked out among senate leadership and the CFFA and confirmation would move forward.
That prompted Vidak write a second letter, this time to the Senate Ethics Committee, asserting that the CFFA and senate leadership were conspiring to confirm Hall. Radanovich bristled at the accusation. The former Valley congressman says that is not true and his group opposes Hall’s nomination.
Ever since Brown nominated Hall to the ALRB, it has caused a backlash among conservatives and farm groups. Both feel his lack of qualifications and perceived bias towards farm workers make him unfit for the job.
Hall is a former state legislator from Compton. He has held elected office at the local school board and city levels before voters sent him to Sacramento. He ran for congress last November, but lost. During his testimony at the March 1 rules committee, Hall said he would come into the position with an open mind.
Hall still requires full confirmation from the entire senate. It was expected to take place this week, but no vote happened even though it is on the senate’s agenda. They reconvene in session on Monday (April 3) at 2 p.m.
Contact David Taub
Phone: 559-492-4037 / e-mail
This story was not subject to the approval of Granville Homes.
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email
Long Delayed Casino on Highway 99 Will Be Built, Tribe Says After High Court Ruling
How Much You Drive Soon Will Dictate the Price of a New Home
Walters: Brown’s Big School Reform Falls Short
Walters: Finally, a School Data System Emerging
Janz Casts His Vote, Warns About 'Rejected' Ballots
He Buried Fresno Man Alive. DA Urges Newsom to Deny Parole.