SACRAMENTO – California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing scrutiny over his decision to hire a director of photography for his office, earning $200,000 a year.
The new hire, retired photojournalist Charles Ommanney, is responsible for capturing images of Newsom in various settings, such as wildfire zones and encampment cleanups. This decision was first reported by Politico.
Ommanney’s website highlights his work with notable politicians, including former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush. His LinkedIn profile shows his previous experience as a photojournalist for Newsweek and features publications in major magazines like Vanity Fair and Rolling Stone.
In a statement, the Governor’s Office explained the hire, saying, Unlike most of his predecessors, Governor Newsom did not have a dedicated photographer for over five years. We are excited to have Charles join our team.
Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Jack Ohman, known for drawing caricatures of Newsom, isn’t critical of the decision. I think Newsom is very aware of his image,Ohman said. But I’m not upset about it. State government jobs are well-paid because California is an expensive place to live.
However, Republican political strategist Doug Elmets disagrees with the six-figure salary, especially given the state’s recent $73 billion deficit. Why does the governor need to spend $200,000 on a photographer? Elmets asked. This photographer should be hired by Newsom’s campaign, which would avoid questions about taxpayer money.
Blue & Gold NLR Team is a dedicated journalist at blueandgoldnlr.com, where he provides insightful and up-to-date news coverage. With a passion for uncovering the truth and a commitment to delivering accurate information, Blue & Gold NLR Team brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. His work ensures readers stay informed about the latest events and developments.