California Gov. Gavin Newsom's office hired a "seasoned photojournalist" on a $200,000 yearly salary six months ago, Politico reported Saturday.
Charles Ommanney, who has held clients such as Mark Zuckerberg and former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, was reported taking photos of the California governor this week while he picked up trash of an abandoned homeless encampment in Los Angeles.
After publishing of this story on Newsmax, a rapid response director from Newsom's office requested we not mention the photographer as "famous" and instead refer to him as a "seasoned photojournalist."
"Unlike nearly all of his predecessors and gubernatorial counterparts, the real story here is that Gov. Newsom did not have a dedicated photographer for over five years," Newsom's Communications Director Izzy Gardon wrote in a statement to Newsmax. "We're thrilled that changed when Charles joined our team.
"Modern communication is not just written and Charles plays a critical role in communicating the work of state government to the public across visual platforms — including social media — helping us meet Californians where they are at.
"Charles is a retired photojournalist and his photographs of the governor are regularly used by news organizations across the state and his role is part of our broader commitment to transparent and effective communication with the public."
Newsmax has reached out to Newsom's representatives with the following inquiries:
- Why Ommanney makes the salary he was given.
- Instead of hiring photojournalist at $200,000, why not hire a few for much less?
- Why is such a premium "seasoned photojournalist" at a large salary necessary?
- Why does an intern photographer or any photojournalist not do the job adequately?
The questions were emailed Sunday around noon and await a response.
Right before President Joe Biden was set to debate former President Donald Trump, Newsom's office, in a side step to the traditional State of the State address before a live audience, released a video featuring the California governor speaking from a podium against a dramatic backdrop — speaking more broadly to national issues such as abortion, guns, homelessness, climate change, and callouts to "red states."
The video, among which featured shots from Ommanney, according to Politico, appeared suited for a national audience. During the post-debate Q&A, the California governor touted Biden's performance as president and said Americans should not turn their back on him for "one performance."
Ommanney's substantial salary makes him one of the highest-paid individuals in Newsom's office, standing out in comparison to the governor's own salary of $234,101 last year.
Newsmax writer Eric Mack has contributed to this report.
Nick Koutsobinas ✉
Nick Koutsobinas, a Newsmax writer, has years of news reporting experience. A graduate from Missouri State University’s philosophy program, he focuses on exposing corruption and censorship.
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