From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Richard Bailey Walsh, Lynn (NBCUniversal) Westerheide, Chuck(NBCUniversal); andrew.keatts@voiceofsandiego.org; scott.lewis@voiceofsandiego.org; Dawson, Greg (NBCUniversal) RE: NBC 7, Voice of San Diego inquiry to SANDAG Board Members, re: tax proposal dollar amount predictions Tuesday, February 21, 2017 1:47:23 PM Hi Lynn –   Thank you very much for covering this topic.    I strongly believe that government agencies must earn the public’s trust each and every day. The initial story reported by the Voice of San Diego raises serious questions about the regional governing body, SANDAG. The revenue projections of the failed ballot Measure A were overstated by $4 billion and there are legitimate questions as to whether the SANDAG executive team should have alerted the public when they discovered the error. Although I was not on the SANDAG Board at that time, as Coronado's new representative, I am committed to asking the questions and determining who knew what and when, in effort to restore accountability and trust. Please see my responses in red below.  I would be happy to discuss further if you would like.    (PS. Sorry for the delay in getting back to you – I’ve been sick the past week)   Richard Bailey   Mayor City of Coronado 619.335.7315 rbailey@coronado.ca.us   From: Walsh, Lynn (NBCUniversal) [mailto:Lynn.walsh@nbcuni.com] Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2017 4:42 PM To: Walsh, Lynn (NBCUniversal) Cc: Westerheide, Chuck(NBCUniversal) ; andrew.keatts@voiceofsandiego.org; scott.lewis@voiceofsandiego.org; Dawson, Greg (NBCUniversal) Subject: NBC 7, Voice of San Diego inquiry to SANDAG Board Members, re: tax proposal dollar amount predictions   Dear SANDAG Board Members, Voice of San Diego and NBC 7 San Diego have been closely following the promises made to taxpayers related to the 2004 TransNet tax and Measure A. Specifically, we have learned: · When SANDAG asked voters to approve Measure A in November, it told the public the proposed sales tax would bring in $18 billion but emails obtained by the Voice of San Diego show the agency knew that number was incorrect. Despite this, the agency chose to still use the $18 billion number in advertising to voters. · Those emails also show that after receiving information showing the dollar amount predictions were incorrect, SANDAG’s executive director and other high-ranking officials chose to do nothing. The information was not passed on to the SANDAG board of directors, elected officials in San Diego county or voters. · Related to TransNet, the tax approved by voters in 2004 to fund regional transportation projects, SANDAG did not use the new information to adjust their plans for the program nor did SANDAG alert taxpayers to the issue, which could result in the projects promised, not becoming a reality. Based off of this information Voice of San Diego and NBC 7 would like to ask each of the following questions: · Were you aware the dollar amount predictions being advertised to voters and associated with Measure A were incorrect? I was not on the SANDAG Board at this time. If so, when did you learn they were incorrect and how (email, phone call, memo, etc.)? · Were you aware the TransNet tax program funds were not coming in short? I was not on the SANDAG Board at this time. I first learned of the projected shortfall from the Voice’s initial reporting. If so, when did you learn of this and how (email, phone call, memo, etc.) · Why did SANDAG choose not to edit advertisements and ballot language, related to Measure A, to include more accurate numbers? I was not on the SANDAG Board at this time but I believe this is a valid question and I expect the SANDAG staff to address it at an upcoming Board meeting. · Do you, as a SANDAG board member, plan to take any action to address the situation? Several members of the SANDAG Board have submitted a letter to the Chair and Executive Director of SANDAG requesting this item be addressed at an upcoming Board meeting.  At this time, I would like to see an independent review/ investigation of the subject.    We plan on reporting on the sending of this letter, as well as any responses or lack of response we receive. We would appreciate a response by February 21, 2017, COB. SANDAG is a publicly funded organization which makes decisions about how to spend billions of taxpayer dollars. Because of this, SANDAG has a responsibility to be transparent and open with the public. Thank you for your time and we look forward to hearing from you,    Voice of San Diego and NBC 7 Staff       Lynn Walsh Executive Producer, NBC 7 Investigates o 619.578.0578 c 614.579.7937 9680 Granite Ridge Drive, San Diego CA 92123 SAN