I thought they just passed a law in California that allowed you to keep weasels as pets.
capitolalert.com
Jones seeks probe of Davis aides
By Dan Smith
Bee Deputy Capitol Bureau Chief
(Published June 15, 2001)
Secretary of State Bill Jones on Thursday asked the state's political watchdog agency to investigate
Gov. Gray Davis' office, alleging his potential opponent in next year's governor's race has
illegally placed two consultants on the state payroll.
In a Capitol news conference, Jones said Davis' state-paid consultants, Chris Lehane and Mark
Fabiani, are breaking state conflict-of-interest laws because they are advising Davis on energy
policy and they have been under contract with Southern California Edison within the past year.
The Democratic governor drew fire from Republicans last month when he hired the former Clinton
administration communication aides on a $30,000-a-month, six-month contract.
Jones, a Republican who intends to run for governor, said Davis' arrangement with Lehane and
Fabiani "creates an intolerable conflict of interest that prohibits them from legally engaging in the
very duties for which the governor has offered to compensate them so handsomely."
Jones, the state's chief elections official, noted state law prohibits public officials from influencing
decisions if it would have "a material financial effect" on a business entity that provides them
income. He filed a complaint with the Fair Political Practices Commission, and demanded Lehane
and Fabiani file economic interest disclosure forms.
Steve Maviglio, Davis' spokesman, noted that state law allows contractors 30 days to file the
disclosure forms, and said Lehane and Fabiani will comply by the June 21 deadline. He denied that
the arrangement violates conflict-of-interest laws.
The Bee's Dan Smith can be reached at (916) 321-5249 or smith@sacbee.com. |
