[GPCA Updates] GPCA Release: Green vies for FPPC Commissioner

[Green Party of California Updates]

Green Party founder offers to replace Ross Johnson as FPPC commissioner, cites 
need for fairness in elections, end 'sham' of pretending to fairly regulate 
election process







Green Party founder offers to replace Ross Johnson as FPPC commissioner, cites 
need for fairness in elections, end 'sham' of pretending to fairly regulate 
election process


GREEN PARTY OF CALIFORNIA PRESS RELEASE

SACRAMENTO (April 20, 2010) - Green Party of California co-founder Hank Chapot 
- declaring that he can be much more objective than a major party choice - has 
offered to replace retiring Fair Political Practices Commissioner Ross Johnson.

Chapot would replace Johnson, who took over as FPPC chair in 2007. Johnson was 
an Assemblymember for nearly 20 years, and was Republican Assembly leader from 
1988-91.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger must pick a replacement, but the appointee cannot 
be a Democrat. And he should not be a Republican, as Johnson was, said Chapot.

"Everyone knows our politicians are bought and paid for...the FPPC hasn't done 
a thing to stop that. It's become worse. It's like the fox guarding the hen 
house," said Chapot.

"I will not carry the baggage of an appointee from one of the major parties 
that have made a mockery of fair elections in California. I will not continue 
the sham of pretending to fairly regulate the election process," Chapot added.

"I will uphold the fairness in elections in California, where corporations 
continue to unduly influence candidates and elections to the detriment of all 
the voters. I will advocate for a level playing field for all candidates, who 
should be free from any such corporate and special interest influence," Chapot 
said.

Chapot, 55, is a gardener employed by UC Berkeley, and former candidate for 
Assembly. He is a native of San Francisco, and holds a B.A. in Biology from 
San Francisco State. He resides in Oakland.



The Green Party of California
PO Box 2828
Sacramento, CA 95812
Phone: (916) 448-3437
Web: http://www.cagreens.org
EMail: gpca at greens.org