Citing growing concerns about Congressman Richard Pombo’s (R-11) position on environmental issues, as well as allegations of misspent campaign funds, a group of constituents is challenging Pombo to explain himself in a town hall meeting.
At a small press conference in San Ramon’s Central Park on Tuesday, Peter Petroski of Danville, Norm Rhett of San Ramon and a handful of supporters said they represent more than 100 constituents from Danville to Lodi who signed a letter calling for Pombo to meet with them in August during the congressional recess to answer their questions.
Standing alongside a poster-size copy of the letter, Petroski and Rhett said specifically, they want to hear from Pombo about why he supports opening up the California coastline to offshore drilling, how he justifies paying more than $450,000 of campaign funds to his wife and brother for “consulting fees,” and why he continuously works to “weaken our environmental protection and conservation laws,” among other issues.
“I’d like Mr. Pombo to come and discuss these issues with us,” said Petroski, a lifelong Republican who voted for Pombo in the last election. His increasing concern about Pombo’s position on environmental issues led him to support former Congressman Pete McCloskey’s failed bid to unseat Pombo in June. He’s now supporting Pombo’s opponent Jerry McNerney in the Nov. 7 general election.
“This is an important election,” Petroski said. “It’s time to get involved. Mr. Pombo is not just a congressman. He’s a representative, and he should be representing the people who elected him.”
Pombo’s district stretches across four counties–Alameda, San Joaquin, Contra Costa and Santa Clara–and includes part of Pleasanton.
Rhett said his growing concern over what he sees as Pombo’s “abuse of office and the power voters have given him” are what drew him into the current effort to meet face to face with Pombo.
“We think Congressman Pombo has a lot of explaining to do to his constituents,” Rhett said.
About 10 people attended the press conference Tuesday in San Ramon, which was organized by the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund at the request of Petroski and Rhett. Defenders of the Wildlife Action Fund is running an independent campaign against Pombo, said spokesman Ed Yoon.
After the brief press conference, Rhett and Petroski–with two television cameras and a newspaper reporter in tow–delivered the letter to Pombo’s San Ramon field office.
James Ottem, East Bay director of Pombo’s San Ramon office, accepted the letter and said he would check the congressman’s calendar regarding the town hall meeting.
Petroski said he wants to meet with Pombo in August so there is more opportunity to actually talk about the issues before the full election campaign gets underway.
“We can’t wait until October. That’s when the hit pieces come out. You can’t have a discussion then,” he said.
