By Pat Keeble, Editor

The death of retired State Senator John A. Nejedly on Sept. 19 took from Contra Costa County one of a handful of its most influential leaders of the 1970s and 80s, a time when the county's legislative representation held power in Sacramento we haven't seen since.

Obituaries and other memorials could hardly do justice to a multi-faceted man who was a driving force  in state and local politics and public policy.

His activities and interests brought him inevitably into the realm of others of power, not the least of which was Dean Lesher, founder and publisher of the Contra Costa Times and the other area newspapers. Lesher's Times was in the process of becoming the pre-eminent voice of the area in the 1960s when he clashed with then-District Attorney John Nejedly.

ELECTION DEADLINES
NOV. 7, 2006, GENERAL ELECTION

Thu., Oct. 5: First campaign finance statement (All candidates and measure committees except Congress).
Covering period ending Sept. 30.

Mon., Oct. 16: Congressional quarterly statement. Covering July 1-Sept. 30.

Mon., Oct. 23: Last day to register to vote on Nov. 11.

Thu., Oct. 26: Second campaign finance satement (All including Congress)
Covering period ending Oct. 21 for state races, Oct. 18 for Congress.

Fri., Nov. 3: Third campaign finance statement. Local requirement only in some cities.

Sun., Oct. 22 through Mon., Nov. 6: Late contribution reports of $1,000 or more, to be reported within 24 hours by both recipients and contributors (All state)

Dec. 7: Post-election report for Congress. Covering period ending Nov. 17.

Jan. 31, 2007: Post-election reports for Nov. 7 candidates and measures. Covering Nov. 6 through Dec. 31, 2006.
Semi-annual reports for office holders not on the Nov. 7 ballot. Covering July 1 through Dec. 31, 2006.

There are other requirements for state ballot measure committees. See the Secretary of State's website.

Some cities have local campaign reform ordinances with requirements in addition to those required by the state Fair Political Practices Commission. As public records, they are available for viewing.

Campaign finance reports for Congressional candidates are filed on-line with the Federal Elections Commission and may be accessed there.

Campaign finance reports for statewide and legislative candidates are filed on-line with the Secretary of State and may be accessed there.

County, city, school and special district campaign finance reports are not on line.
City election reports are filed with the City Clerk of each city.
All other reports are filed at the Contra Costa County Elections Office in Martinez and may be viewed there.