Posted on: Thursday, March 15, 2001
Governor's use of state money for ad criticized
By Ronna Bolante
Advertiser Capitol Bureau
Senate Minority Leader Sam Slom yesterday criticized Gov. Ben Cayetano's use of state money for ads explaining Cayetano's position on contract negotiations with the Hawai'i State Teachers Association.
Advertiser library photo • Jan. 29, 2001
Cayetano used almost $10,000 to run full-page ads in yesterday's Advertiser and Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
He said the state saved more than enough money for the ads by having Davis Yogi, director of the Department of Human Resources Development, also serve as chief negotiator in the Office of Collective Bargaining instead of paying a second person to fill the position.
"Government agencies spend public money to inform people of government operations all the time," said Jackie Kido, Cayetano's director of communication. "Why would we be silent and not get the information out on an issue that may affect everyone in our state?"
Republican Rep. Jim Rath, R-6th (N. Kona, S. Kohala), supported the governor's ads, saying the state money used was "well spent."
Rath said that both sides of the discussion over using taxpayer funds for raises "should be in the public arena."
"I think it's totally improper and inappropriate," said Slom, R-8th (Wai'alae Iki-Hawai'i Kai). "You're using the taxpayers to choose sides in a ... labor dispute. You're penalizing the taxpayer twice. They're going to wind up paying for any salary or collective bargaining agreements that are made, and now you're having them as part of a public relations battle."
Gov. Ben Cayetano used $10,000 of the government's money to run ads.
