Investigation opened regarding Sutton conflict of interest

[Sleeter]

FAIR POLITICAL PRACTICES COMMISSION OPENS INVESTIGATION
OF FISH AND GAME COMMISSIONER MIKE SUTTON

For immediate release

SUTTON VIOLATED CONFLICT OF INTEREST LAWS
FPPC OPENS FORMAL INVESTIGATION

SACRAMENTO - On Tuesday, May 19, 2009, the California Fair Political
Practices Commission disclosed that the Enforcement Division of the Fair
Political Practices Commission (the "FPPC") has opened a formal
investigation into Fish and Game Commissioner George Michael Sutton.
This action is in response to the sworn complaint against Sutton filed
by the Central Coast Fisheries Conservation Coalition.

Sutton is charged with violating the Political Reform Act (PRA) of 1974
because of his conflicts of interest on votes on the Marine Life
Protection Act (MLPA) while serving on the Fish and Game Commission.

Specifically, Sutton's action in voting to approve the Draft Master Plan
of the MLPA violated the PRA because it was reasonably foreseeable that
the decision would have a material financial effect on his own income
and on his employer and source of income, the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Foundation (Aquarium). As Vice President and founding director of the
Aquarium's Center For the Future of the Oceans, Sutton is paid a salary
to influence policy and to support efforts to create a network of marine
protected areas (MPAs) in California and offshore waters, including
fully protected marine reserves.

Had Sutton voted to amend the existing MPAs for the Central Coast (which
are included in the Master Plan), he would have been voting to gut or
weaken a system of MPAs in which, his employer exults, the Center for
the Future of the Oceans, under his stewardship, played a "key role" in
having adopted.

Sutton's conflicts do not derive solely from the mere fact that he is a
salaried employee of the Aquarium. He is in fact closely connected to
many of the key players involved in the process of implementing the MLPA
and these connections create conflicts under the Political Reform Act.

Sutton also violated the Fish and Game Commission's own conflict code by
failing to disclose his employment with the Aquarium as required by law.

Sutton's participation in any Fish and Game Commission decision relating
to MPAs or to the establishment of limitations on fishing is prohibited
under the PRA and a cease and desist order must be issued restraining
Sutton from participating in such decisions.

[John Sturdivant]

That's a good start..I still can't see how the state can even consider the MLPA Bullshit with the budget where it's at...They're talking about cutting money for schools and massive layoffs of State workers,the whole thing should be tabled for good...

[dunndeal]

"Sutton also violated the Fish and Game Commission's own conflict code by
failing to disclose his employment with the Aquarium as required by law."

This here is Black or White, no gray. All the other stuff can be argued depending on what your definition of 'is' is. He either disclosed his relationship or he didn't. His income tax returns will show who signed his paychecks.

[dunndeal]

massive layoffs of State workers,

I agree on every thing you said except the above. Arnold is saying 5000 people laid off,,, out of a 110,000 person workforce. That's nothing! They could do that by just shit-canning people sitting on their asses in $500 leather chairs dictating how you're going to live your life.

[Matt Plut]

Thanks for the update Ben. We'll see where this goes.

[Pacific Hooker]

Thanks to Central Coast Fisheries Conservation Coalition.

It looks like Sutton is being groomed for Congressman or Senator, by the way, what happened to the Senator that was going to get to the bottom of this?

[LotsaLuck]

Thanks to Central Coast Fisheries Conservation Coalition.

It looks like Sutton is being groomed for Congressman or Senator, by the way, what happened to the Senator that was going to get to the bottom of this?

He's busy.

[zimo]

It is a great start. I wonder what the song and dance is going to be.

[SBD]

I love it!!!