"No on Measure A" files FPPC complaint over campaign law violations by “Yes on Measure A” committee

“Personal Income Taxes Ver8” by Chris Potter, CC BY 2.0

On Wednesday the No on Measure A committee filed a formal complaint with the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) against the Yes on Measure A, Santa Clara County Public Health and Safety Coalition, sponsored by public health, safety, and labor organizations, and Sheriff Robert Jonsen, alleging multiple violations of California’s Political Reform Act and Government Code Section 3206. A press release from the "No on A SCC 2025" committee is below.

The complaint, filed by attorney Jason A. Bezis on behalf of the No on Measure A Tax SCC2025 Committee, outlines a pattern of incomplete, inaccurate, and untimely financial disclosures, as well as illegal campaign activity involving the use of a uniformed law enforcement officer in political advertising.

Key allegations

1. Failure to properly report expenditures
The Yes on Measure A campaign allegedly failed to disclose subvendor payments for digital and video ads on Google and Meta platforms, in violation of FPPC regulations (§84303 and Regulation §18431). These ads were active throughout October 2025 but were omitted from the campaign’s financial disclosure reports.

2. Improper use of public resources and uniformed law enforcement
The complaint also cites evidence that Sheriff Robert Jonsen appeared in full uniform at a Measure A campaign rally and in campaign materials and mailers—actions that violate Government Code §3206, which prohibits local government employees from engaging in political activity while in uniform. Photos from the Yes on Measure A website and mailers show Sheriff Jonsen in official attire promoting the tax measure.

3. Mass mailings and reporting irregularities
The Yes on Measure A coalition is accused of conducting large-scale campaign mailings (“SC25002” and “SC25003”) without timely or complete reporting of associated expenditures as required under FPPC rules.

A pattern of concealment and misuse of authority

“These violations show a disturbing lack of transparency and accountability by the Yes on Measure A campaign,” said Rishi Kumar, Chair of the No on Measure A Committee. “It’s one thing to campaign for a tax increase — it’s another to mislead voters, skirt financial reporting laws, and misuse the credibility of law enforcement to influence public opinion.”
Kumar added, “Our residents deserve honesty and fair play in elections. Santa Clara County taxpayers should not have to tolerate campaign activity that blurs the lines between governance and politics.”

Next steps
The No on Measure A committee has requested that the FPPC expedite its investigation to protect voters ahead of the November 4, 2025, special election.

“Santa Clara County deserves elections conducted with integrity — not shadow spending, unreported ads, and public officials campaigning in uniform,” said Kumar. “This is about protecting the public trust.”

About the No on Measure A SCC 2025 committee
The No on Measure A SCC 2025 committee, chaired by Rishi Kumar, represents a coalition of community leaders, taxpayer advocates, and residents united against Measure A—a proposed countywide sales tax increase that would push many cities over 10% sales tax and add financial strain to families already struggling with sky-high inflation. The committee’s mission is to promote fiscal accountability, transparency, and responsible governance in Santa Clara County.

About Measure A
Measure A is a proposed 0.625% countywide sales tax increase that would raise an estimated $330 million annually, ostensibly to support public health and safety services. Opponents argue that Measure A lacks transparency, fails to ensure any funds will be used for healthcare, and contributes to an already unsustainable level of county spending that had structural problems years ago.

"No on Measure A" files FPPC complaint over campaign law violations by “Yes on Measure A” committee

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