Talks about supervisors’ grants are now back on the table as Supervisor Joel Anderson reintroduces his plan about them during the San Diego board meeting.
Joel Anderson (Photo: Times of San Diego)
Supervisor Joel Anderson Reintroduces His Plan For Supervisors’ Grant
Weeks after Supervisor Joel Anderson withdrew his plan about supervisors’ grants that require millions of dollars, he is now reintroducing it to the San Diego board meeting this Tuesday. In his letter addressed to his colleagues in the Board of Supervisors of San Diego County, Anderson explained that moving away from the public before the grants are handed out would “streamline” the entire operation and would save employees some time. Anderson added in his letter that the approval process takes time and a great deal of effort from both the staff and board members; delays are also to be expected.
Anderson pulled his supervisors’ grant plan just days before it was set to be considered. Anderson’s office was not able to respond to last week’s questions regarding the withdrawal and its reintroduction.
The Money Around Grants
The Neighborhood Reinvestment and Community Enhancement programs hand out $15 million taxpayer dollars together each year within San Diego County. The Board of Supervisors calls these kinds of programs “slush funds” because the grants are handed out frequently to public agencies and nonprofit sectors. Critics argue that the money from grants often allows influence with potential voters. Supervisors accepted gifts and had paid travel expenses in the past by the recipients of the grants.
Within Anderson’s proposal, grants would have to be proposed in a memo to the Economic Development and Government Affairs’ County Office. It would also have to be paid without getting the board’s formal vote and appearance on the public agenda.
