From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: David Zito Walsh, Lynn (NBCUniversal) andrew.keatts@voiceofsandiego.org; scott.lewis@voiceofsandiego.org RE: NBC 7, Voice of San Diego inquiry to SANDAG Board Members, re: tax proposal dollar amount predictions Tuesday, February 21, 2017 8:24:57 PM Hi Ms. Walsh, My appointment as the primary representative to the SANDAG board on behalf of the City of Solana Beach occurred on Jan. 11th 2017, prior to that date I was serving in the role of 2nd alternate and in that capacity not engaged in SANDAG activities.  As a newly appointed primary member I am still learning the ropes of the organization and getting a better understanding of the history that has helped set the framework for our current priorities. Given the above context I was definitely not aware of the concerns mentioned below in your message until after my appointment as the primary representative for Solana Beach in January, and learned about the issue as I was coming up to speed on current activities and issues.  Going forward having solid transparency and clear accountability will be important and I will be pushing to ensure this happens. Regards, David Zito Councilmember, City of Solana Beach Stay Informed: http://tinyurl.com/Solana-eBlast m: 858.254.0559 w: 858.720.4491 f: 858.720.4492 Web: http://www.ci.solana-beach.ca.us/ ________________________________ From: Walsh, Lynn (NBCUniversal) [Lynn.walsh@nbcuni.com] Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2017 4:41 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? 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? 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? ·         Do you, as a SANDAG board member, plan to take any action to address the situation? 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 [Description: Description: Description: cid:image002.jpg@01CD5F65.D4A98EF0] Lynn Walsh Executive Producer, NBC 7 Investigates o 619.578.0578 c 614.579.7937 9680 Granite Ridge Drive, San Diego CA 92123