Fire Union Caught Violating the Law by Using City Resources for Political Purposes

Red County has received a copy of an Ethics Complaint and associated video and photographic evidence that shows the San Diego city fire union using city resources over the May 3-4 weekend to support a political campaign of a candidate they are backing in the District 5 city council election.

The complaint submitted to the Ethics Commission and to Fire Chief Tracey Jarman describes the entire incident as "a gross misappropriation of taxpayer resources from her Department in a time of budget crisis."  What's more important here is the use of city resources for campaign activities is strictly prohibited by law. 

According to the complaint, on May 3 and 4, Rancho Penasquitos residents witnessed the union using Fire Station 42 utilities to charge and maintain a fire truck plastered in campaign advertising for a union-backed city council candidate. The residents were apparently so appalled by the misuse of taxpayer resources for political purposes that they documented the violation through photography and video.  The complaint contends that the truck remained attached to the city's utilities charging throughout the entire weekend--all at taxpayers' expense.

This is likely to result in a serious fine to the fire union--and probably some terminations of fire department staff involved.  San Diego city municipal code clearly states: "It is unlawful for any City Official to engage in campaign-related activities...using city facilities, equipment, supplies, or other City resources."  SDMC 27.3564 

This screw up hands District 5 candidate Carl DeMaio a shining example of city mismanagement that underscores his core message that taxpayer funds are being wasted and abused during a time of fiscal crisis.  In fact the complaint itself references the budget impact to the city, noting:

"In the proposed FY 2009 budget, the Fire Department is asking for an increase of $177,000 in funding for "Energy and Utilities" bringing the total department annual expense for energy and utilities to $2.96 million.  Perhaps the fire union tipped off department management that they would need to charge up extra fire trucks for the purpose of engaging in campaign events?

The complaint includes about a dozen photos and a damning video. I've pasted two photos of the dozen photos included in the complaint. Video is below:
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Copies of the ethics complaint that was file can be found below. This is developing...