Passing the buck!

Backers of Measure T, the horse that Gallegos rode back into office are about to come face to face with the real Gallegos. He was to be their champion. The ENFORCER, "without fear or favor" "justice for all" "No matter how wealthy or sacrosanct" wasn't that it?

But now, faced with two violations (at least) of Measure T, and the ball squarely in Gallegos' court - well, there's the problem. It's not anywhere close. Looks like he's hiding from that ball, a hunter-seeker* with his name on it.

Today's ER reports Two bond campaigns received illegal contributions
Two school bond measures passed by voters in Fortuna and McKinleyville received campaign contributions that violated a county ordinance that restricts contributions.

That ordinance, Measure T, which voters approved 55 to 43 percent on June 6, 2006, restricts campaign contributions from corporations defined as “non-local.”

Both McKinleyville’s Measure C, which was on the June 3 ballot, and Fortuna’s Measure X from 2006 received contributions from a number of “non-local” corporations that totaled $25,500.

Gallegos' response?

CLASSIC. “I’ve been made aware of Measure C,” Gallegos said. “I haven’t had a chance to look at the underlying complaints.”

But GET THIS! Gallegos said that he may wait to see if the federal court decides to overturn the ordinance before taking any formal action as to not “waste time, effort and resources.”

REALLY? I mean, REALLY!

Gallegos said it would be a couple of months before he would have the opportunity to address the complaint, given that time-sensitive cases and those involving people in custody take priority.

Gallegos was not aware of the contributions to Measure X and said that it may take enforcement of the ordinance before companies not allowed to give money stop doing so.

“Maybe that puts the onus on us to pay attention to what’s going on (with both measures),” he said of the multiple violations. “Whether you agree with the end result or not, I have to enforce the code.”

In other words, he doesn't have a clue what to do, or what he is going to do. But it looks like he's going to pass the buck on this one. Too bad. He could add it to his list of sure losers.

As for not wasting time, effort and resources, uh... Paul. You're kidding right? Why start now?

Related:
☛ co.humboldt.ca.us/election/measure%20t.pdf
McK Press - On Measure T
☛ Measure T facing legal challenge (This is the one he's waiting on - the one with Mercer-Fraser and O&M Industries)
☛ ER Campaign contribution ordinance challenged
☛ Fred: Measure T Going To Court
☛ ER Striking a blow for free speech


Learn more about Measure T in a Pros and Cons Video, produced by Eileen McGee (51 mins)
Paul Gallegos, Humboldt County District Attorney (FREAKIN' HILARIOUS 6 min VIDEO!!!!)
Kaitlin-Sopoci-Belknap, Campaign Co-Manager for Measure T (19 mins)
John Bonifaz, Attorney and Founder of the National Voting Rights Institute (17 mins)
In a radio ad for Measure T, Gallegos says: "Hello, my name is Paul Gallegos, your District Attorney. Just three months after I was voted into office, Texas-based Maxxam Corporation tried to have me recalled, undermine the decision made by Humboldt County voters. Democracy only works when the power resides with the people. I'm urging you to vote Yes on Measure T for local control of our elections."