Government Watch

The RIGHT Act would increase transparency and prevent conflicts of interest in the federal government by amending the Ethics in Government Act of 1978. This includes requiring candidates for the offices of president and vice president to provide tax returns for the last 20 years; closing a loophole in the EGA that allows for donations by anonymous sources to the legal defense fund of a government official; clarifying that the anti-nepotism statute applies to appointed positions within the executive office of the president and the White House and closing a loophole in the existing statute that allows violators to hold office without pay; increasing accountability and transparency for Hatch Act violations; creating a disincentive for senior officials to abuse taxpayer-funded travel; preventing federal officials or their immediate family members from improperly profiting from taxpayer funds; and eliminating the ability of government contractors to donate to presidential inaugural committees.

Regional government

• The SamTrans Board of Directors swore in its newest public member, Marina Fraser. Fraser represents the Coastside region of San Mateo County. Previously, she served on the Half Moon Bay City Council.

The SamTrans board consists of nine members: three members who are appointed by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, two of whom are members of the Board of Supervisors and one who possesses expertise in the field of transportation; three members appointed by the City Selection Committee, who are council members representing the northern, central and southern portions of the county; and three public members, one of whom must be a coastside resident. Board members terms are four-years.

For more information on the SamTrans Board visit samtrans.com/about/boardofdirectors.html.