FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – As former Maricopa County, Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio is set to speak Friday in Fresno, Councilwoman Esmeralda Soria proposed the Transparency and Accountability of Taxpayer Money Act on Thursday.
Councilwoman Soria’s office released a press advisory that she would be calling on Fresno City Council to approve increased transparency because she said political events headlined by controversial figures in other California cities have saddled taxpayers with six figure bills for increased security.
“What this resolution does is within ten days of events like this, that are profiting, that the Department and Administration would present to the public how much dollars and resources we’re expending.” – Councilwoman Esmeralda Soria, District 1.
Police Chief Jerry Dyer told Council the information about of taxpayer generated funds spent on services and personnel provided by the city is always readily available.
“We are willing and able to provide all of those costs, today.” – Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer.
Councilwoman Soria initially wanted it in writing, but then the following exchange took place with Council President Clint Olivier;
Councilwoman Esmeralda Soria: “Well, since we don’t have a policy I will have to do it on a case-by case basis since this event is happening.”
Council President Clint Olivier: “But, but these people you don’t agree with politically so you want the info about their event but you’re not gonna…”
Councilwoman Soria: “I will do it on a case-by-case since there’s no policy now.”
The exchange ended with no vote, and no resolution but rather information is still to be distributed on a case-by-case basis.
Click below to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
