Political Reform and the Riverside County Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors, by appointing the current County Counsel, has effectively impeded the Grand Jury’s ability to investigate complaints submitted by County employees, as well as, citizen complaints against the County. A simple Grand Jury request for public documents has become difficult, if not impossible to obtain. His appointment is having the effect of eliminating all transparency into the governmental operations of the County of Riverside. Since the appointment of County Counsel and at the direction of the Riverside County Executive Office, County Counsel directed, via email, to the County department heads, the need to develop a plan to deal with the Grand Jury (see Attachment #1). The position of County Counsel does not report to the Riverside County Executive Office. The position of County Counsel has been designated At-Will by the Board of Supervisors, in accordance with the provisions of Article 6, Section 601E(1) of the Management Resolution and serves at the pleasure of the Board of Supervisors. Recruitment

A supervisorial chief of staff, during testimony, was asked how extensive was the geographic area searched for the position of County Counsel, the reply was, “Three blocks.” Although not required, the Board of Supervisors chose not to use competitive procedures. 2