The state agency in charge of campaign finance enforcement has detailed its case to justify $66,000 in fines against community college board trustee Eric Payne. Payne, a two-term trustee of the State Center Community College District, faces 21 counts ranging from failing to report campaign finance paperwork to misusing funds,...
Patterson Inquiry Triggers Suspension of Bullet Train Consultant
A state watchdog agency is reviewing a complaint filed by Assemblyman Jim Patterson of Fresno against the top consultant on the California bullet train project. In addition, the consultant’s company has suspended him because of the probe, The Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday. Questions About $51 Million Change Order Roy...
$75,000 Raised for Fresno Vets Memorial at City Hall
One week before Memorial Day, Fresno councilman Garry Bredefeld revealed good news about the memorial project on City Hall grounds. At last week’s city council meeting, Bredefeld announced that $75,000 has been raised for the already-approved memorial. The goal is $120,000. The council approved a slight change in design. Instead...
Payne on Campaign Funds: There’s Nothing I’m Trying to Hide
Eric Payne says he’s working with state campaign finance regulators. The State Center Community College District trustee faces $66,000 in fines on 21 counts, including failing to file required forms to run for office. The Fair Political Practices Commission will hear about the proposed fine at its May 16 meeting...
With $66,000 in Fines Looming, Can Payne Fix Campaign Finance Mess?
A community college trustee has one more chance to settle his problems with the Fair Political Practices Commission. Otherwise, he could face $66,000 in fines. The state agency in charge of campaign finance compliance says Eric Payne, a two-term trustee with the State Center Community College District, violated 21 state laws...
State Center Trustee Payne Faces $66,000 in Election Fines
The state agency in charge of campaign finance is proposing $66,000 in penalties for a Fresno community college trustee, citing numerous infractions over the years. The Fair Political Practices Commission said Payne, a trustee with the State Center Community College District, failed to file numerous reports, misused campaign funds, failed...
Walters: A Crackdown on Misusing Public Funds for Campaigns?
When Yuba County’s Board of Supervisors asked its voters to hike sales taxes last year, it wasn’t alone. Hundreds of California’s local governments, cities and counties primarily, were doing so, promising voters that the new revenues would be used to enhance popular services, such as parks, police and fire protection....
State Center Trustees Decline to Investigate Payne, Kahn
Tensions simmered at the State Center trustee meeting Tuesday (Jan. 8), but did not boil over like the last time the group met. The board voted 4-3 against forming a special committee to look into ethical misconduct allegations levied mainly at trustee Eric Payne, and to a lesser extent Bobby...
Did State Workers Help Pro-Gas Tax Effort? Watchdog Investigates.
SACRAMENTO — California's campaign watchdog said Wednesday it is investigating whether a campaign to preserve the state's recent gas tax hike violated finance rules. The Fair Political Practices Commission will look into a complaint filed by the opposing campaign that alleges state employees distributed fliers urging voters to keep the...
Trustee On Hot Seat: Campaign Violation Allegations Revealed
A state investigation has found probable cause against community college trustee Eric Payne on 21 counts of alleged political wrongdoing. The Fair Political Practices Commission investigated Payne following a 2016 complaint that he failed to file campaign documents. The findings will likely lead to further investigation with subpoena power. The...