Brookfield levy campaign faces fines from state

A candidate was also fined for failing to file reports.
By MICHELE C. HLADIK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
COLUMBUS -- Years of not filing annual campaign finance reports has landed the Brookfield Schools Levy Committee in hot water with the Ohio Elections Commission.
The OEC voted unanimously Wednesday to impose a $6,300 fine on the committee, which hasn't filed a report since 1994.
The committee ran a primary campaign supporting a 5.5-mill levy in May 1994. It reportedly filed the primary finance report but neglected to file an annual report by Jan. 31, 1995, despite the balance of more than $800 in the campaign fund.
Campaigns are required to file reports each year when they either end, have a leftover balance or remain active.
The committee was not represented at the commission meeting.
Melissa Ross, who is listed as treasurer of the committee, said she didn't know anything about the report or fines despite letters from commission executive director Philip Richter, which were sent by certified mail.
"I would prefer not to comment until I speak with my school system," she added.
The committee also faces a $100-a-day fine for each day until the report is filed. It may request a reconsideration of the commission's decision once the report has been filed but would still be required to pay $4,000.
Court race: The commission also imposed a $1,575 fine on Michael Drain, who ran for a seat on the 11th District Court of Appeals in the 2000 primary election. The court, which covers Trumbull and three other counties, is in Warren.
Drain reportedly filed his reports, but they were incorrectly filled out.
Records from the Trumbull County Board of Elections show Drain has not responded to requests for amended reports.
He also faces a $25-a-day fine until the amendments are filed. He could file for reconsideration but would still be required to pay $400.
Drain also was not represented at the commission meeting.
Commission Chairman Alphonse Cincione said cases that continue to have problems are eventually referred to the Ohio Attorney General's Office for further action, but he isn't sure at what point.
Richter said the OEC has referred cases to the attorney general's office in the recent past. He said he would try to set up a meeting with a representative of the OAG's collection department in May.