By Stephen Gale, Chair, Sonoma County Democratic Party

May 20, 2010

Fellow Democrats,

Do not be misled by negative campaign tactics in the 7th AD race.

Many of you have read the PD's latest hit piece (morning of May 19, 2010 - Empire Section) about a pending audit report from the County Auditor.

The PD, in typical form, based the entire article on allegations made by Victoria Hogan, former Campaign Manager for Lee Pierce, who convinced Supervisors Paul Kelley, Valerie Brown and Efren Carrillo to request the audit.

The author of the hit piece -- Derek Moore -- is the same person who has been attacking Pat Wiggins for the last two years.

He did not wait one day to allow the Audit Report to be received, likely because he knew the report would not find fault with Michael Allen's performance. That would mean his only story would have to be about the false allegations by Victoria Hogan, former Campaign Manager for Lee Pierce, in what has become an extremely dirty race for the 7th Assembly District seat.

So that you are not misled, this is the conclusion lifted directly from the Audit Report issued today, May 20:

"Conclusion: Based on our discussions with Agency staff they indicated that although issues have been identified, the Agency is satisfied with the work and documentation provided by Mr. Allen, and the progress that has been made with the employee housing program.

"Based on our procedures and related results, the Agency received all documents as described in the Scope of Work for the Agreements with Mr. Allen, except three (see results I.1b, I.2b and I.2d). A document written by Daniel Hoffman was included as Exhibit 5 of the report titled California Public Sector Employer Assisted Housing Programs, provided for task 1, it contained source information. The contract between the Agency and Mr. Allen did not prohibit Mr. Allen from using the work or ideas of others.  The report on Employee Housing Program Alternatives prepared by Mr. Allen included language from Mr. Hoffman's report which had previously been provided to the Agency, this subsequent report did not identify Mr. Hoffman's document as the source. We identified one change in scope, which was not properly authorized by the Agency's General Manager or Chief Engineer."

Mr. Allen has been exonerated by the County Auditor.

Although I am sure the PD will find some way to warp reality to support their endorsement -- the California Democratic Party and Sonoma County Democratic Party have both endorsed Michael Allen for 7th AD.  We continue to stand behind the endorsement.

Please share this information widely since the PD likely will bury the actual results of the audit somewhere that no one will be able to find.

Don't get angry. Take action. Send letters to the editor of the Press Democrat and also contact other local publications that are more likely to cover this story without bias.

Stay the course -- continue to phone bank, walk door-to-door and make sure we get out the Democratic vote for our endorsed candidates from the top of the ticket to the very bottom.

All my best,

Stephen Gale

Chair, Sonoma County Democratic Party