Sutton says he's clear to vote on MLPA process

[spearthebigones]

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/weblogs/san-diego-outdoors-blog/2009/jun/25/sutton-says-hes-clear-vote-mlpa-process/?%27going%20outside%27

Fish and Game Commissioner Michael Sutton said today that the Fair Political Practices Commission has cleared him to continue voting and commenting on the Marine Life Protection Act.

Sutton said he received an advice letter from the FPPC clearing him of any conflicts of interest.

Sutton was accused of having conflicts of interest regarding the Marine Life Protection Act because of his ties to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where he works, and the Packard Foundation, where he once was an officer. The Packard Foundation is one of the major contributors to the Resources Legacy Fund Foundation, which is funding most of the the MLPA process.

Sutton said he was honored that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has given him the opportunity to serve the state on the Commission.

[rojodiablo]

Yes, but was it even discussed and reviewed by the ethics comittee, or did he just get one of them to write a letter for him. We are waiting to see what is really going to become of this; there has been no item scheduled, nor vetted publicly regarding his 'letter of approval'....

[spearthebigones]

Yes, but was it even discussed and reviewed by the ethics comittee, or did he just get one of them to write a letter for him. We are waiting to see what is really going to become of this; there has been no item scheduled, nor vetted publicly regarding his 'letter of approval'....

Dunno. There's the fact that Sutton was being investigated by the FPPC and now this article says Sutton claims he's cleared of conflict of interest charges. We'll have to wait for further reports to see if this is true.

But unless someone is lying doesn't this mean he's off the hook? I mean, I never head about the ethics committee dealing with Micheal Sutton in any previous reports.

[Urchin_Diver]

youve got to freakin kidding me!!?!

[Laukia]

Basically this is what Sutton said. Under the Political Reform Act of 1974 anyone who is investigated by the Fair Political Practices Commission can request an "Advice Letter" from the FPPC. Any political appointee can request official advice on how to proceed with any potential conflict of interest allegations. Sutton requested that adice to "clear the air". The FPPC sent the advice letter back to Sutton stating that Sutton can continue to vote on any and all MLPA matters and that there are no conflicts of interest. I'm certain he would not go on the public record if this were not the case. I think it was a stretch in the beginning as there would have to be proof that he stood to financially gain by his votes on MLPA matters. It would have been a 'silver bullet'.........but it missed.

[sb spearo]

Basically this is what Sutton said. Under the Political Reform Act of 1974 anyone who is investigated by the Fair Political Practices Commission can request an "Advice Letter" from the FPPC. Any political appointee can request official advice on how to proceed with any potential conflict of interest allegations. Sutton requested that adice to "clear the air". The FPPC sent the advice letter back to Sutton stating that Sutton can continue to vote on any and all MLPA matters and that there are no conflicts of interest. I'm certain he would not go on the public record if this were not the case. I think it was a stretch in the beginning as there would have to be proof that he stood to financially gain by his votes on MLPA matters. It would have been a 'silver bullet'.........but it missed.

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