Posted on 09/03/2009 11:07:25 AM PDT by NormsRevenge
Reporting from Sacramento - California's high-speed rail commission, dominated by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's appointees, is set to award a $9-million contract today to a company led by the governor's top political advisor and his former campaign manager.
The three commission staff members charged with recommending a public relations firm have advised the board to give the contract to Mercury Public Affairs at its meeting today. Schwarzenegger strategist Adam Mendelsohn is a partner at Mercury, as is Steve Schmidt, who managed the governor's 2006 reelection effort.
Two members of the staff panel are former Mendelsohn colleagues.
Ethics watchdogs raised questions about the appearance of favoritism.
"You can't help but raise your eyebrows," said Kathay Feng, executive director of California Common Cause.
"We are seeing a revolving door of legislators and former state officials and state employees going from public service to private PR firms . . . and pulling on all the personal relationships that they've developed to build up their business."
One member of the staff panel, Jeffrey Barker, previously served as associate and deputy communications director in the governor's office, working daily with Mendelsohn. Barker also worked with Schmidt.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
ALL AaaBoard!!
Four of the nine commissioners who will vote on the contract today were appointed by Schwarzenegger; a fifth continues to serve at his pleasure. An additional rail board member, Tom Umberg, was appointed by former Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez (D-Los Angeles). Nuñez is also a partner in Mercury Public Affairs.
The PR Party reigns on tho dems and pubs may fall.
“Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez (D-Los Angeles). Nuñez is also a partner in Mercury Public Affairs.”
Critical issue...
Nunez cannot run for any office so, here he is and the 9 million is for PR for a rail system we already for.
..the train to nowhere...
And atone for your sin.
I voted for him once during the recall, and didn’t vote for him the second time (voted for the Libertarian on the ballot).
I did a stupid thing. Fortunately Jesus has already atoned for my sins in my stead. :)
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