Save Newport Real News in Newport Beach
Last week, we reported the fact that Brad Avery had voted on the jet packs even though he was being paid to run a business on the harbor which he admits he competes with space. After a conversation with Avery about reversing his vote (which he declined to do), I felt I had no options left other than to report him for a Conflict of Interest vote.
This morning, the Fair Political Practices Committee wrote back under no uncertain terms stating that the Conflict of Interest violations simply did not apply to Brad — nor could it ever– because he was being paid by a state agency, and according to Section 82030(b)(2) of the California Code of Regulations, Avery is exempt from all conflict of interest cases, because he is being paid by the government rather than by a company. This clears Avery to vote on virtually all harbor matters moving forward without the threat of a Conflict of Interest case being brought against him.
But the fact that this exemption exists to begin with is– frankly– horrifying. This seems logically inconsistent with very severe long-term consequences.
But that is nothing new to government, I suppose.
Congratulations to Brad on this ruling.
