– PROVISIONAL VOTES CHALLENGE – I would like to challenge the validity of the existing and unused Provisional votes and the documentation provided as it has been currently accepted or denied. I believe many of these votes were accepted without proper documentation and I would like public access to what was and was not accepted, as well as have it reviewed by the Selection Committee.

– ELECTIONEERING CHALLENGE – While one of our stakeholders (Suzanne Hintz) was in line to check-in at the polls, she watched an exchange between a volunteer at the check-in table and another stakeholder. When the supporter indicated she was voting for me, the volunteer pointed at my picture on the flier and shook her head “No” to indicate not to vote for me. She was corrected by the volunteer next to her to tell her that they could not give out personal opinions, which, as I understand it, was explicitly stated to them before the polls opened. Suzanne’s witness statement attached.  It is unknown how many people this volunteer gave her personal opinion to, but is a clear violation of “Electioneering” outlined on Page 8 and 9 of the CNC Selection Manual. Furthermore, as outlined on page 10 of the Selection Manual, “Poll Volunteers shall monitor the voting room and assist Stakeholders with any questions on procedures but not on Candidates. The NTP shall be notified of any violations or disruptions in the voting process.” Glenn Bailey was notified the day of the Selection and this volunteer was NOT removed. Again, how many people did this person’s opinion effect? This alone is ground for a full re-“Selection” of votes.

Other questionable tactics:

– “Publicizing” election – As per the Selection Procedures Stipulation worksheet (attached) that the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council filed on 02/01/17, the Chamber of Commerce was checked as an organization enlisted to publicize the Selection. This same organization sent out a mass email from communications@ chatsworthchamber.com on March 17th endorsing ONLY Vicki Briskman. Given that the Chamber was to publicize ALL candidates, this is a clear violation of their duties to endorse only one person instead of sending out a mass email for all candidates. (Email attached) Furthermore, ONLY a list of 10 candidates (9 existing board members plus one new candidate) was available at the Chamber instead of a list of ALL candidates. If the CNC is going to appoint someone to “publicize the selection”, it should not be one or 10-candidate specific.  It seems to me that a large conflict of interest exists given 3 members of the Chamber also serve on the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council and on of the Chamber Board members was also a candidate.  As such, I request at the very least that ALL Chamber votes who are otherwise NOT Chatsworth residents, be thrown out.

– Inappropriateness and harassment by current CNC President – While walking to use the restroom (after I had voted earlier in the day), I was accosted by Andre van der Valk. Mr. van der Valk approached me and loudly said, “I’m only going to tell you this once, no electioneering within 100′ of the building.” I explained to him that I wasn’t and was simply walking to use the restroom and that the next time he approaches me, he should be a little more well-mannered. I turned and walked towards the building as he was yelling out “HEY! HEY!” I approached a volunteer to ask if I could use the restroom and she pointed me in the right direction. As I walked to the bathroom, Mr. van der Valk chased me down inside the building and yelled at me, “YOU CANNOT BE IN HERE!” I explained again that I was using the bathroom. He then yelled at me, “AND TAKE THAT SHIRT OFF! YOU CAN’T WEAR THAT SHIRT! TAKE IT OFF!” I smiled and laughed at the ignorance and inappropriateness of his request and said I was never told I couldn’t wear my shirt and that I wasn’t going to take it off. Paul Jackson then kindly offered me the bathroom key and, before turning around, I looked at Mr. van der Valk and said, “And you may want to be a little nicer to me, we may be working together soon.” He yelled back at me, “NO WE WON’T!”. I then walked into the restroom. After showing Glenn Bailey my shirt after this took place, it was confirmed that my shirt was not in violation of any rules.  This is an elected official and head of our council behaving in such a poor manner. This needs to be addressed and I will be filing a grievance to be placed on agenda at the Board meeting and will be sure that MANY people attend to hear what transpired. The fact that this was done in front of voters and pollworkers is abhorrent. Also, as of the time of this email, I have yet to receive an apology from Mr. van der Valk regarding his inappropriateness or behavior.

Given the violations of the Selection Manual and the other questionable tactics involved, I respectfully request a new “Selection” vote be scheduled.  Furthermore, I will be forwarding this email to all parties I see fit to be informed. This Council needs to start adhering to standardized rules instead of rules that they vote in for self-“policing” and self-protection.

Sincerely,

Cher Bentley – Candidate/Stakeholder

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