Coalition for Fair Employment in Construction Pays Manager Well

Though the economy is down, local political dollars have continued to flow to those in the know. Poway’s Eric Christen, manager of the nonprofit Coalition for Fair Employment in Construction, which battles public project labor agreements favored by labor unions, was paid $100,500, according to the group’s Internal Revenue Service filing covering 2009 and filed last October. Over on the Democratic side of the fence, the first annual San Diego County South Region Fundraiser is set for June 2 at Courtney McGowen’s house in Coronado. Hosted by state senator Juan Vargas and Assemblyman Ben Hueso, the $35-a-head event is sponsored by the Neighborhood Market Association, which lobbies for laws favorable to small markets and liquor stores.