The California Fair Political Practices Commission proposes a $27,000 fine for the Fresno County Transportation Authority for improperly supporting Measure C in 2021 and 2022 using taxpayer money. (GV Wire Composite)
- The California Fair Political Practices wants to fine the Fresno County Transportation Authority $27,000 for allegedly violating state campaign laws.
- In 2022, the FCTA used taxpayer money to pay for video ads and a website that the FPPC says endorsed a political position.
- It violates state law to use taxpayer money to support a political position.
Share
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
A state agency says the Fresno County Transportation Authority violated state election laws ahead of the failed Measure C renewal effort in 2022 by paying for advertisements with taxpayer money and not properly disclosing the source.
The California Fair Political Practices Commission recommends a $27,000 fine to the Measure C oversight agency for six alleged violations in 2021 and 2022, according to a February order.
“The use of public funds to support or oppose ballot measures is prohibited because of the public harm of taxpayer funds being used to influence the voting public’s views on ballot measure,” the order stated. “Here, the FCTA supported the passage of a local measure using $14,774 in public funds. The FCTA influenced the election with the video ad and website, but Measure C failed.”
Ad Run During Fresno Fair Improperly Endorsed Measure C
In October 2022, the authority paid nearly $9,749 for a 30-second video ad that ran during the Big Fresno Fair. By outlining the successes of the half-cent sales tax on roads and highways, the order says the ad “can be construed to have urged support of Measure C.”
The problem is that nearly $10,000 comes from tax money overseen by both the Fresno Council of Governments and the authority. A tagline used at the end, “Measure C, promises made, promises kept,” further endorses the act, the order states.
“The continuous and unmistakable reference to a specific ballot measure makes it highly probable that a reasonable person would interpret the communication as an electoral appeal for Measure C,” the order stated.
Measure C Website Constituted Endorsement
Ahead of Measure C’s 2022 renewal effort, the authority also paid $11,227 for the website MeasureCRenewal.com. The website featured accomplishments under the transportation tax, and while it does not expressly advocate a position, the URL alone urged a call to action, the order stated.
“It goes beyond mere advocacy of an issue and constitutes a strong electoral message,” the order states.
The FPPC also fined the authority for not filing as an independent expenditure committee. Given its apparent advocacy supporting a Measure C renewal, the authority should have filed with the state.
“The public harm inherent in campaign late-filing violations is that the public is deprived of important, time-sensitive information regarding campaign activity, which is heightened when related to
pre-election activity and 24-Hour reporting,” the order states.
RELATED TOPICS:
