Contra Costa Gop Central Committee Cannot Ignore Charges Of Misconduct

In a message dated 7/22/2009 3:20:03 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, WML2001 writes: Dear Fellow Members of the CCRP: Thank you, Ted, for your well-researched and thoughtful letter regarding recent developments at the CCRP. Thanks, too, to Sean Ackley for his important comments. These developments offer a timely reminder of our duties and obligations as members of the Central Committee. Elected and appointed members of the Central Committee take an oath to uphold state and federal laws. This is not optional – it is our sworn obligation. The CCRP is not a social club. Our focus is not hurt feelings, bruised egos and who's friendly with whom, but on GOP business. This is a political organization – comprised of members elected by the people – with specific legal and ethical obligations. The alleged illegal misconduct delineated in Ted’s letter is serious to both the organization and to each of us individually as Committee members. Violations of law by party organizations can subject the organization and its members to civil and/or criminal liability. Accordingly, as members of this organization we are obligated to review and address problems when they arise, and take affirmative steps to ensure misconduct does not recur in the future. Cavalier dismissal of misconduct allegations is as foolhardy as it is irresponsible. All of us need to pay attention to allegations of serious legal and ethical infractions, which also have broad public relations implications for the CCRP and our party. When screw-ups happen healthy organizations own up to them and address them promptly; to do otherwise erodes organizational credibility, prolongs and amplifies the problem and, ultimately, diminishes effectiveness. Now is the time for each of us to stand up for the rule of law, which is one of the basic tenets of this nation and the GOP. From the time John Adams first popularized the phrase, American school children have been taught that ours is “a nation of laws and not of men.” This means that the U.S. Constitution and laws are supreme and have fixed, objective meanings that do not vary depending on who is in power. Federal and state election laws do not vary in meaning depending on fashionable political trends or the self-serving whims of those with power who believe they are above the law. Each of us needs to decide where we stand and how we will respond to ethical and legal misconduct when it occurs within our ranks. I don’t know about you, but I want to be counted as one who seeks to uphold the law and

address problems when they come to light. History has proven that the cover-up is always worse than the underlying crime. Doing nothing – in response to credible evidence of serious misconduct – is not an option. Because CCRP members now are on notice of alleged violations of law, we are obligated – individually and collectively – to take action to address these allegations. It is necessary for all of us to become familiar with the laws in question and the legal consequences of violations. Accordingly, a briefing by the organization’s legal counsel to all Committee members is essential. We need to be informed about the legal consequences that could arise from these allegations. And we need to know what actions need to be taken to protect the organization from further liability. Ignoring these problems or attempting to shoot the messenger are inappropriate responses and, in fact, may create additional liability for the organization. Mr. Poulous, please consider this a request to schedule a special CCRP membership meeting at the earliest possible time, at which the membership will receive a legal briefing and have an opportunity to ask questions of qualified legal counsel. It is imperative that the Committee receive legal guidance from a specialized election law attorney who can advise the Committee regarding its duties and obligations, given its present circumstances. In addition, I submit that the CCRP general counsel is unqualified to conduct this briefing because, through his past statements and actions, he has unequivocally demonstrated his inability or unwillingness to represent CCRP interests.[1] Therefore, it is incumbent upon you, as the stated leader of this organization, to retain competent, specialized outside counsel to assist in managing the CCRP’s present difficulties. This legal briefing should be scheduled to occur as soon as possible. Committee members have an urgent need to understand the organization’s legal position, its options and associated implications of each. Fellow members, please join me in holding the CCRP organizational leadership accountable for taking prompt and appropriate action to inform us of the organization’s legal standing and exposure, and address these problems swiftly to limit CCRP’s organizational liability. Wendy Lack Alternate Member, Contra Costa Republican Party Ex-Officio Alternate

[1] Further, Mr. Sonaty has demonstrated his inability or unwillingness to represent the best interests of the CCRP in his current role as General Counsel, as delineated in CCRP by-laws, which states that the General Counsel shall “serve as legal counsel to the Chairman and the Central Committee as regards to legal affairs of the Central Committee and the Republican Party of Contra Costa County.” Mr. Sonaty’s recent call for removal of a Committee Member who, in good faith, acted as a whistleblower to raise credible, well-documented allegations of ethical and legal organizational misconduct, represents one example of Sonaty’s failure to represent the interests of the party organization.