In less than a 90 day period between early April and late June 2019, a “Lift Up Long Beach — Rex Richardson Ballot Measure Committee” collected a whopping $200,000+ for something he hasn’t publicly disclosed from contributors he had to disclose under state law (and did) by July 31. LBREPORT.com’s spotted it and as part of our “Follow the Money” coverage reports the contributors and their contributions below.
On June 24, LBREPORT.com reported (first again) that the group had filed its organizational paperwork on March 25, 2019. We also reported (first again) on upcoming fundraiser for group and asked Councilman Richardson for permission to attend. He politely declined saying it was premature but offered to discuss it with us a few days later. (We chose to wait for the campaign contribution report that’s now available.).
So…for exactly what did these individuals and entities give money to support? A parcel tax? Some other type of tax? How much? To do what? To benefit whom?
[UPDATE] Councilman Richardson responded promptly to our invitation for info on the ballot measure. He tells LBREPORT.com (text message): “We have a housing crisis on our hands and we need to find ways to solve it. Lift Up Long Beach Families is bringing together regional stakeholders to explore a ballot measure that will address homselessness and housing affordability in 2020. In the coming months, we will be engaging wiht the community on ideas. We look forward to hearing your ideas.”
LBREPORT.com replied: “Contribs didn’t give $200k for a conversation. Cmon…” To which Councilman Richardson responded: “That’s how it works. Raise money around an idea of a goal. It’s more than a year out to refine and shape the idea for the ballot.” [end UPDATE]
If a City Council majority were to put another LB tax measure on the ballot, it would likely be for the high voter turnout November 2020 (Presidential election) ballot and wouldn’t collide with City Hall’s desired Measure A General Fund (“blank check”) sales tax measure that the Council recently voted to put on the March 2020 ballot.
The contributors listed below are from the CA Secretary of State’s website. LBREPORT.com adds background/context following the list.of contributors.
Visit LBReport.com for the full list of contributors which include: Bulletin Displays, Inc., Dignity CA SEIU Local 2015, SEIU 721, Cannabis consultant Larry King, IBEW, and a host of property managers, Skid Row Housing Trust and developers.
View the full list of expenditures by clicking here.
