On Tuesday, Jan. 24, a group of Lincoln, CA taxpayers addressed the city council regarding its ongoing relationship with lobbyist Kevin Ring, who was a partner of disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff and this past summer refused to answer questions from the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs investigating the scandal, opting to "take the 5th" to avoid self incrimination. The City of Lincoln pays Ring $85,000 a year of taxpayer money for his lobbying activities.
The Sacramento Bee article Dec. 9, 2005
http://www.sacbee.com/...
Lincoln City Manager Jerry Johnson's quote from the article: We're quite happy with him." (Note: This was PRIOR to Abramoff's plea bargain. Does the city still stand by Kevin Ring?)
Senator John McCain quote, same article: "I am sorry two young men such as yourselves engaged in this kind of conduct. I had hoped you'd cooperate with the committee."
Washington Post article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/...
This is a very detailed article on "Team Abramoff" of which Kevin Ring was a member. Some very damning details about Ring.
Arizona Daily Star article: http://www.azstarnet.com/...
Arizona rep. John Shadegg, who is running for House MAJORITY LEADER, recently returned a PERSONAL contribution from Kevin Ring of $500.
The City Council dismissed the questions and concerns of 10 Lincoln tax payers who spoke during the public comments portion of the meeting. The City Council basically said they'd continue to "monitor" the situation. One city council member was clearly irritated and implied that the concerns were partisan in nature.
Rob Haswell, democratic candidate for California's 4th Assembly District (right in the heart of Rep. John Doolittle's Congressional District 4) will be speaking on this subject during Christine Craft's 1240 Talk City radio show at 5 p.m. Pacific Time today. You can get the streaming audio at http://www.1240talkcity.com .
Incidentally, the city of Elk Grove, CA also employs Ring to the tune of $90,000 a year.