St. Paul legislator Cy Thao fined over campaign spending
Board: Thao's practices questionable
By Dennis Lien
dlien@pioneerpress.com Updated: 02/03/2010 11:23:51 PM CST
The Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board determined probable cause exists to believe Thao overpaid relatives and friends for campaign literature and office space and falsely categorized lawn sign expenses. As a result, Thao, who served as his own campaign treasurer, was ordered to repay $1,721 in state campaign subsidies and to pay a $3,000 civil fine.
Thao, who is Hmong, contested the finding and said he might ask the state Human Rights Department to look into whether the case reflects any racial bias. He said he hasn't decided whether to appeal.
The finding stems from a complaint filed by Nathan Haase on Oct. 22, 2009. Haase could not be reached for comment.
The complaint, however, accused Thao of paying a brother-in-law $3,000 for literature design purposes, paying $2,000 for office space when one may not have existed and listing expenses for "lawn sign'' that actually were for putting up the signs. The board said some of the office rent went to a corporation owned by Thao and his wife.
Thao disputed accusations he overpaid for the literature, saying he paid less for it than he once paid a white woman for similar work.
"There's one piece the board and I agree on — there is nothing wrong with me paying these people,'' he said. "The disagreement is how
The board said Thao used services such as a fax and copy machine and telephone at the office but that payment for "office rental'' wasn't accurate. It said Thao characterized the payment as being for a package of services.
Thao said he would have provided a more detailed explanation for the lawn sign expenses if he knew one was needed.
"If they want me to be more specific and say, 'labor for lawn sign,' I have no problem with that,'' Thao said. "I am not trying to hide anything.''
Thao has 30 days to make the payment to the board.
He was elected in 2002 and has been re-elected three times. He faces a challenge from within his own party for the upcoming endorsement.
Dennis Lien can be reached at 651-228-5588.
By Dennis Lien
dlien@pioneerpress.com Updated: 02/03/2010 11:23:51 PM CST
The Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board determined probable cause exists to believe Thao overpaid relatives and friends for campaign literature and office space and falsely categorized lawn sign expenses. As a result, Thao, who served as his own campaign treasurer, was ordered to repay $1,721 in state campaign subsidies and to pay a $3,000 civil fine.
Thao, who is Hmong, contested the finding and said he might ask the state Human Rights Department to look into whether the case reflects any racial bias. He said he hasn't decided whether to appeal.
The finding stems from a complaint filed by Nathan Haase on Oct. 22, 2009. Haase could not be reached for comment.
The complaint, however, accused Thao of paying a brother-in-law $3,000 for literature design purposes, paying $2,000 for office space when one may not have existed and listing expenses for "lawn sign'' that actually were for putting up the signs. The board said some of the office rent went to a corporation owned by Thao and his wife.
Thao disputed accusations he overpaid for the literature, saying he paid less for it than he once paid a white woman for similar work.
"There's one piece the board and I agree on — there is nothing wrong with me paying these people,'' he said. "The disagreement is how
The board said Thao used services such as a fax and copy machine and telephone at the office but that payment for "office rental'' wasn't accurate. It said Thao characterized the payment as being for a package of services.
Thao said he would have provided a more detailed explanation for the lawn sign expenses if he knew one was needed.
"If they want me to be more specific and say, 'labor for lawn sign,' I have no problem with that,'' Thao said. "I am not trying to hide anything.''
Thao has 30 days to make the payment to the board.
He was elected in 2002 and has been re-elected three times. He faces a challenge from within his own party for the upcoming endorsement.
Dennis Lien can be reached at 651-228-5588.
Fire victim was first-ever Hmong Ramsey Co. Deputy
Updated: 02/02/2010 9:36 PM KSTP.com
By: Maggie Newland and Becky Nahm
The man killed in an apartment fire Monday in St. Paul was remembered as a pioneer in law enforcement and a loving father and husband.
Ka Lee Yang, 49, died of smoke inhalation in his apartment on North Sloan Street.
Yang was the first person of Hmong descent to become a deputy in the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office. In nearly 10 years with the agency, he worked as a corrections officer, an interpreter and a liaison between law enforcement and the Hmong community.
Before joining the sheriff's office, he served as a St. Paul police officer for a year.
Yang left the sheriff's office in 2001, but his former colleagues said his attitude and work ethic were unforgettable.
Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher said, "Great guy. Always hard working, very energetic. (He) had a great attitude--one of the most positive attitudes that I've ever run across."
Yang left behind a wife and five children.
His daughter Soumaly Yang said, "He supported us. He loved us. He always led us in the right direction."
Soumaly Yang said the family has just one photograph of their father. The others burned along with everything they owned.
Fire investigators ruled that the fire was accidental, but they haven't determined the cause. They do know that it started on the balcony of the Yangs' apartment.
By: Maggie Newland and Becky Nahm
The man killed in an apartment fire Monday in St. Paul was remembered as a pioneer in law enforcement and a loving father and husband.
Ka Lee Yang, 49, died of smoke inhalation in his apartment on North Sloan Street.
Yang was the first person of Hmong descent to become a deputy in the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office. In nearly 10 years with the agency, he worked as a corrections officer, an interpreter and a liaison between law enforcement and the Hmong community.
Before joining the sheriff's office, he served as a St. Paul police officer for a year.
Yang left the sheriff's office in 2001, but his former colleagues said his attitude and work ethic were unforgettable.
Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher said, "Great guy. Always hard working, very energetic. (He) had a great attitude--one of the most positive attitudes that I've ever run across."
Yang left behind a wife and five children.
His daughter Soumaly Yang said, "He supported us. He loved us. He always led us in the right direction."
Soumaly Yang said the family has just one photograph of their father. The others burned along with everything they owned.
Fire investigators ruled that the fire was accidental, but they haven't determined the cause. They do know that it started on the balcony of the Yangs' apartment.
Hmong Lost An Icon
Fresno, CA: Yia "The Bull" Moua passed away on Friday, January 15, 2010, in Fresno, California at 10:40 AM.
Yia "the bull" Moua was an icon to the Hmong community around the world. Yia is best known for his professional kick boxing fighting and a Hmong actor. Yia will be missed by the Hmong and his many friends.
Stay tuned for an interview with Yia's family in the next few weeks!
Our sincere condolence to Yia's children and his family. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family.
Click here
Yia's personal webpage
Watch HmongTVnetwork
Coverage of Yia Moua's death & interview with his mother
Yia's funeral services will begin January 20, 2010, in Fresno, CA.
Watch HmongTVnetwork for more news on Yia's funeral arrangement.
Yia "the bull" Moua was an icon to the Hmong community around the world. Yia is best known for his professional kick boxing fighting and a Hmong actor. Yia will be missed by the Hmong and his many friends.
Stay tuned for an interview with Yia's family in the next few weeks!
Our sincere condolence to Yia's children and his family. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family.
Click here
Yia's personal webpage
Watch HmongTVnetwork
Coverage of Yia Moua's death & interview with his mother
Yia's funeral services will begin January 20, 2010, in Fresno, CA.
Watch HmongTVnetwork for more news on Yia's funeral arrangement.
Statement from President Obama on Hmong New Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 18, 2009
Statement by the President on the Hmong New Year
Michelle and I extend our warmest wishes to those who are celebrating the Hmong New Year. Over the course of decades, Hmong have come to this country in times of great difficulty, often as refugees escaping persecution. In Southeast Asia, many helped the people of the United States, and immigrated here in a period of great strife. Through struggle and sacrifice they built communities and families, and have reminded us of what is best about America. Hmong men and women have come to this country to build a better life, and through their culture and contribution, they have enriched America as well. The Hmong New Year is traditionally celebrated at the end of the harvest season, and marks a time filled with great food, colorful clothes, the music of the qeej, and enjoyable games. It is a time for family and community as people gather to bring good luck for the New Year. With that spirit in mind, I wish those celebrating Hmong New Year a prosperous and healthy New Year -- Nyob zoo xyoo tshiab.
December 18, 2009
Statement by the President on the Hmong New Year
Michelle and I extend our warmest wishes to those who are celebrating the Hmong New Year. Over the course of decades, Hmong have come to this country in times of great difficulty, often as refugees escaping persecution. In Southeast Asia, many helped the people of the United States, and immigrated here in a period of great strife. Through struggle and sacrifice they built communities and families, and have reminded us of what is best about America. Hmong men and women have come to this country to build a better life, and through their culture and contribution, they have enriched America as well. The Hmong New Year is traditionally celebrated at the end of the harvest season, and marks a time filled with great food, colorful clothes, the music of the qeej, and enjoyable games. It is a time for family and community as people gather to bring good luck for the New Year. With that spirit in mind, I wish those celebrating Hmong New Year a prosperous and healthy New Year -- Nyob zoo xyoo tshiab.
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