County Can Afford Fords

Public budgets are said to be tight, but San Diego County is in the market for 26 new 2012 Ford Taurus SEL four-wheel-drive sedans for its general service fleet, according to a November 29 request for bids. Colorwise, four are to be Ebony Black, eight Sterling Gray, nine Ingot Silver, and five White Suede, all with Charcoal Black interiors. Only authorized Ford dealers need apply, says the solicitation…A top policy staffer to Illinois Democratic congressman Danny Davis spent two nights at San Diego’s bay-front Marriott Hotel in September, thanks to the American Dietetic Association. According to a congressional travel disclosure form recently filed by Caleb Gilchrist, the association picked up $608 in lodging at $249 a night; $571.80 in travel; and $68.60 in meals, along with $62 in cab fares. The aide was “invited to moderate a debate” at the group’s Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo “due to his knowledge and expertise.” In his declaration, Gilchrist said he came to “share my knowledge and expertise on public policy initiatives on agriculture and science issues.” Gilchrist flew coach and spent an extra night in San Diego “due to distance of travel AND time of presentation on Monday, September 26, 2011”…Behesting, the practice of corporations and other special interests giving to charities in the name of state legislators, continues to be alive and well in San Diego County. According to a list posted online on November 28 by the state’s Fair Political Practices Commission, Republican state senator Joel Anderson was recognized by the Barona Band of Mission Indians as being responsible for the tribe’s $5000 gift to the University of San Diego and Grossmont Union High School District for a career center. Barona also gave $5000, on Anderson’s behalf to Rio Seco Elementary School in Santee to “fund the purchase of materials to facilitate the teaching of literacy.”