Post by rosa on Feb 4, 2009 9:48:02 GMT -7
This is out of the local news. I wonder if Representative Byrd understands that she is supposed to represent the people, her constituents rather than the power brokers on the PSB
Gustavo Reveles Acosta
El Paso Times
EL PASO -- The group that wants to take the management of the stormwater utility away from the PSB and give it the city received political contributions and broke the law by not reporting them, South-West city Rep. Susie Byrd told the Texas Ethics Commission on Monday.
In a complaint she sent to the commission, Byrd accuses Gerald Miller and Gary Hoff -- the two businessmen who spearheaded a petition drive that forced the city to place the stormwater issue on the May 9 ballot -- of obtaining contributions of more than $1,000 and that they failed to properly report them to the state.
"This group is seeking transparency from the Public Service Board, yet they're failing to comply with the state's rules themselves," Byrd said. "It raises the question of what these men really want. Do they want fairness? Then they should follow the law."
Texas state law identifies a group of at least two people who are working on ballot initiatives as political action committees who must report to the state any contribution and expenditure of $500 or more.
Byrd claims that the El Paso Builders Association last month allowed Miller and his supporters to set up a booth at the El Paso Spring Home Show -- which charged businesses and vendors $1,100 for similar tables -- in order for them to circulate the petition.
Miller and Hoff said they haven't broken any state rule and that they have not received any contributions. They also said their total expenditures are well below $500.
"This is just harassment on behalf of a City Council that is intent on keeping the stormwater utility under the PSB," Miller said. "People have the right to petition under the Constitution and they're trying to intimidate us into backing down."
In her complaint, Byrd also said the group has spent money on paper copies, a Web site, placards and posters and lawyers.
Hoff laughed off Byrd's assertions of expenditures, and said Miller and he have not spent any significant amount of money in the campaign.
"If you put all the receipts together I doubt you'll total $50," he said. "This has been a grass-roots effort. Plain and simple."
Hoff and Miller said they are now considering forming a political action committee in order to start raising funds.
"We will do everything by the book once we start raising money," Miller said. "So far, we have not broken any law."
Gustavo Reveles Acosta may be reached at greveles@elpasotimes.com; 546-6133.
Gustavo Reveles Acosta
El Paso Times
EL PASO -- The group that wants to take the management of the stormwater utility away from the PSB and give it the city received political contributions and broke the law by not reporting them, South-West city Rep. Susie Byrd told the Texas Ethics Commission on Monday.
In a complaint she sent to the commission, Byrd accuses Gerald Miller and Gary Hoff -- the two businessmen who spearheaded a petition drive that forced the city to place the stormwater issue on the May 9 ballot -- of obtaining contributions of more than $1,000 and that they failed to properly report them to the state.
"This group is seeking transparency from the Public Service Board, yet they're failing to comply with the state's rules themselves," Byrd said. "It raises the question of what these men really want. Do they want fairness? Then they should follow the law."
Texas state law identifies a group of at least two people who are working on ballot initiatives as political action committees who must report to the state any contribution and expenditure of $500 or more.
Byrd claims that the El Paso Builders Association last month allowed Miller and his supporters to set up a booth at the El Paso Spring Home Show -- which charged businesses and vendors $1,100 for similar tables -- in order for them to circulate the petition.
Miller and Hoff said they haven't broken any state rule and that they have not received any contributions. They also said their total expenditures are well below $500.
"This is just harassment on behalf of a City Council that is intent on keeping the stormwater utility under the PSB," Miller said. "People have the right to petition under the Constitution and they're trying to intimidate us into backing down."
In her complaint, Byrd also said the group has spent money on paper copies, a Web site, placards and posters and lawyers.
Hoff laughed off Byrd's assertions of expenditures, and said Miller and he have not spent any significant amount of money in the campaign.
"If you put all the receipts together I doubt you'll total $50," he said. "This has been a grass-roots effort. Plain and simple."
Hoff and Miller said they are now considering forming a political action committee in order to start raising funds.
"We will do everything by the book once we start raising money," Miller said. "So far, we have not broken any law."
Gustavo Reveles Acosta may be reached at greveles@elpasotimes.com; 546-6133.