A new fight has broken out over Richmond's fire station bond in the final days before the election.
The complaint
Measure Q is a $120 million bond to rebuild and upgrade Richmond fire stations. On Thursday, Point Richmond attorney Daniel Butt, son of former Mayor Tom Butt, filed complaints with Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton, Attorney General Rob Bonta, the Fair Political Practices Commission and city officials, Richmondside reported.
The complaints focus on four videos posted Oct. 7 through Oct. 9 on the Facebook page of the Yes on Measure Q committee. The committee is sponsored by firefighters union IAFF Local 188. According to the complaint text published in Tom Butt's E-Forum, the videos show the apparatus bay of Fire Station 66 on Clinton Avenue, Engine E66, Richmond Fire Department vehicles and a person wearing city-issued gear. The 83-year-old station is one of those Measure Q would help replace.
Each video says the firefighters were off duty and no city funds were used. The complaint argues that state Government Code section 8314 bars campaign use of public property whether or not money is spent. It also says the committee reported no in-kind contribution for using city property. Butt is asking for penalties and for the DA to act before Election Day.
The response
A spokesperson for the district attorney declined to comment but confirmed the complaint is under review, Richmondside reported. None of the agencies has issued a finding. Council member Soheila Bana called the allegations "politically motivated."
For what the bond would do, see our Measure Q explainer.
How to vote
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls and vote centers close at 8 p.m., and mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and arrive within seven days. You can check your registration and ballot status at sos.ca.gov/elections. California lets you register and vote the same day at a vote center.