AgdaPkt 2002-07-01 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

LEAGUE OPPOSITION TO SCA 7 CONTINUES Negotiations with the proponents and author of a bill Impractical Findings Requirements. The measure that seeks to expand public access to government informa- requires agencies to make "particularized findings" when tion have produced some amendments sought by cities, but citing exemptions for purposes of not disclosing certain the League seeks further changes before it can remove its information. This requirement is unworkable and expands opposition, the public's right of access to public records and closed session meetings beyond the public's right to access to a In the latest series of amendments, the proponents of courtroom under the First Amendment, The League is more SCA 7 (Burton, San Francisco) agreed to add language that than willing to "explain" why we are withholding informa- protects information sought in confidential communications tion, but the particularized findings requirement is not between client and lawyer conveyed in the context of practical. obtaining or providing legai advice or representation. This is a move in the right direction; however, SCA 7 remains Overly Broad Definition of "Appointed Official". problematic for the League in three areas: The measure requires that the performance and qualifica- tions of an appointed official be considered public informa- Elimination of Previously-Determined Exemptions. tion. The measure defines "appointed official" as someone The measure provides that all exemptions set forth in who has, or appears to the public to have, substantial current law can be judicially determined. In other words, responsibility for, or control over, the conduct of govern- the courts can decide the validity of all exemptions for mental affairs, and including information regarding the public records and Brown Act disclosure. The League professional qualifications of candidates or applicants for believes that this measure should be prospective, that the such positions. This is problematic because every public Legislature could statutorily make changes to eliminate or employee who is deemed by the public to have substantial modify certain exemptions. The measure should NOT be- responsibility for governmental affairs, their performance retroactive, and have every exemption scrutinized by a and qualification information (evaluations, tests, resumes) court of law based on SCA 7's four-part test. would be considered public information. PG&E BANKRUPTCY CASE UPDATE Questions? Contact Amy Brown, 916-658-8279, or e- mail browna@cacities,org. Creditors in the Pacific Gas & Electric (PO&E) bank- ruptcy case will receive ballots next week for the two p~ oposed plans of reorganization, tinder the Creditor's Committee Plan of Reorganization, a ~ortion of assets would be sold to r~. PG&E cc 3anies. :~ Ca;,forniaLOOKING FOl IALIFOlIlI'S NEST TO Public Uti!ities Commiss,cr: proposer] ~ alterna: ~.e plan of FILL A POSITION IN YOgB elTYP reorganization that does not require the selling of assets. Ballots are due by August 12, Westerll City Magazine's job opportunity section is the source for job seekers looking for positions in If the creditor's plan were adopted, new franchise local govemment. According to our reader survey, agreements covering activities related to the transferredthe job opportunity section is the best read section of assets would be necessary, PG&E has been contacting OUr magazine! franchise fee cities recently to discuss the new franchise agreements. A number of cities have expressed interest in understanding th~ process and exploring options and have When you place an ad in Western C~ Magazine, it asked the League to facilitate discussions. Over the nextwill be posted at no additional charge on our website, two weeks, the League will develop a task force of city which receives over 60,000 hits per month. officials to study the issue, provide background information and offer suggestions regarding the franchise agreements.Call to place your recruitment ad todayl League staff working with city officials are Frances Medema 800 262-1801 or visit our website medemaf@cacities,org and Alisa Fong fong@cacities.org www.westerncity,com, PAGE 6/PRIORITY FOCUS Visit the League's Official Web Site--www.cacities.org