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Council unanimously appoints two applicants to Board of Fair Campaign and Political Practices
Summary
After brief interviews, the council voted unanimously to appoint two applicants (Tom and Manu) to fill two full-term vacancies on the Board of Fair Campaign and Political Practices.
San Jose City Council on March 4 interviewed two candidates and approved appointments to the Board of Fair Campaign and Political Practices, filling two full-term vacancies.
Tony (staff) explained the interview process and noted the board has struggled with quorum at times. Applicants identified as Tom and Manu each gave brief opening statements and answered questions about conflicts between personal beliefs and enforcing written rules, candidate disclosure and “dark money,” and their commitment to attend meetings. Tom described three years of prior service on the board and emphasized continuity and institutional knowledge. Manu described experience as a volunteer HOA director and said he applied to learn more about campaign rules and to ensure communities are treated fairly.
Councilmembers pressed both applicants on enforcement: Tom said the board must follow existing laws and recommend code changes where needed; Manu said he would adhere to written rules and learn the board’s procedures before taking enforcement positions. Vice Mayor Foley asked both to commit to attendance; both candidates said they would serve.
A motion to accept both candidates passed unanimously. The council noted the appointments require a two-thirds vote per the city’s charter procedure for this body and the motion passed with unanimous support from the council present.
What happens next: staff will finalize the appointments and the new board members will be seated to help reduce quorum problems and handle complaints and code-review recommendations.
