EXCERPT OF TIMES ARTICLE RE: IMPROPER UNION DONATION OF $1000

By Stewart Rine

I told Harris who has accepted $1,000 from the IBEW that his acceptance of the maximum amount from the main union which benefited from $470,000 for a contoversial Wi-Fi system and a monitoring system for city hall was improper and that he should return the money.

• Forum is staged for hopefuls Incumbents Harris and Williamson face challengers Hunt and Rine in Pleasant Hill City Council election forum By Nargis Nooristani STAFF WRITER PLEASANT HILL - Some harsh words made their way into an election forum for candidates vying for the two seats on the Pleasant Hill City Council in the Nov. 7 election.

But when Harris questioned Rine's background and qualifications, Rine fired back.

"Tell us about yourself so we can understand why you can do a better job," Harris said. "The other three of us have Web sites that give background and tell what we offer."

"I'm a small businessman and I don't claim to have special knowledge of the council," said Rine, a fashion jewelry designer and distributor. "But I don't think a doctor of optometry does either," he said, referring to Harris' occupation.

Rine went on to question a donation from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers to Harris' campaign.

Rine suggested Harris had accepted the $1,000 in exchange for his support of a Wi-Fi system for the city, which provides wireless technology in various areas of the city and in police patrol cars.

"In no way does the contribution I get from anyone influence my vote," Harris said.

Williamson interjected to say that she, too had received the same donation from the electrical worker's union and the campaign contribution is a show of support for a candidate, not a bribe.

"It doesn't have anything to do with the Wi-Fi system," she said to Rine.

Rine's main concern with city government was how the budget was allocated. He said flood control and improving the roads should be the first priorities.

"The current City Council has failed miserably on both parts," he said. "We need to cut some of the frills from our budget." (*** blog continues)

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The forum, sponsored by the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce and Contra Costa Times, will be broadcast at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, on Channel 26 and at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3.