Meetings
 
Agenda Item
Docket No. 20-204
 
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RE:
Waiver request submitted by William Mertz, candidate for Plaquemines Parish School Board in the November 6, 2018 election, regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing his 2017 Tier 3 Candidate PFD 499 days late.
Facts:
William Mertz requests a waiver for the following reasons:

Mr. Mertz stated he dropped out of the election but does not have the records as such records are with his soon-to-be ex-wife. He stated his failure was not intentional.


Comments:
TYPE OF REPORT: 2017 Tier 3 Candidate Report
ORIGINAL DUE DATE: July 25, 2018
DATE NOD RECEIVED: August 4, 2018 (signed for by Chit Hambergur)
DATE REPORT FILED: December 26, 2019
DAYS LATE FROM NOD: 499 days
DAYS LATE FROM ORIGINAL DUE DATE: 519 days
ASSESSED LATE FEE: $1500
PRIOR PFD LATE FEES: None
PRIOR CF LATE FEES: None
OUTSTANDING DISCLOSURE REPORTS: None
PRIOR FILING EXPERIENCE: 15
Law:
La. R.S. 18:1495.7A requires any person who becomes a candidate for an office for which the holder of the office is required to file financial disclosure statements pursuant to R.S. 42:1124, 1124.2, or 1124.3 shall file a financial disclosure statement as required by R.S. 42:1124, 1124.2, or 1124.3 for the office for which he is a candidate. The statement required by this Section shall be filed within three (3) business days after the close of the qualifying period during which the candidate files his notice of candidacy for the office.
La. R.S. 42:1124.3 requires persons holding a public office who represent a voting district having a population of less than 5,000 and each member of the governing authority or management board of a charter school created pursuant to Chapter 42 of Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950 to file a financial disclosure statement on or before May 15th of each year during which the person holds office and the year following termination of the holding of such office.
La. R.S. 42:1124.4 of the Code provides that upon discovery of the failure to file, failure to timely file, omission of information or inaccurate information, the Board shall notify the filer by sending him a notice of delinquency by certified mail. The notice of delinquency shall inform the person that the financial statement must be filed, or that the information must be disclosed or accurately disclosed, or that a written answer contesting the allegation of such failure, omission, or inaccuracy must be filed no later than seven (7) business days after receipt of the notice of delinquency.
Recommendations:
Suspend all but $1000 based on future compliance with the reporting requirements under the Code of Ethics. The $1000 is payable within 20 days and if payment is not received within 20 days, the full amount of the late fee becomes due and owing.
Assigned Attorney: Tracy Barker
 
 
ATTACHMENTS:
Description:
2020-204 - Waiver Request William _Billy_ F Mertz