Meetings
 
Agenda Item
Docket No. 12-754
 
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RE:
Request that the Board waive the $1,000 campaign finance late fee assessed against Louis M. Ackal, a candidate for Sheriff of Iberia Parish in the October 22, 2011 election, whose Supplemental campaign finance disclosure report was filed 40 days late.
Facts:
In connection with his request for a waiver of the $1,000 late fee assessed for the late filing of a Supplemental campaign finance report, Louis M. Ackal, states that all of his campaign reports were prepared and electronically submitted by Laurie Segura. Ms. Segura advised him that his Supplemental report was prepared and filed prior to the February 15, 2012 deadline. However, the report failed to transmit electronically, and it was not until a phone call to the Board of Ethics to inquire about the Personal Finance Disclosure Statement, that she was made aware the report was never received. Mr. Ackal maintains that although he acknowledges his responsibility to timely file all reports, he believes that penalties should be assessed against those who intentionally avoid the reporting requirements. He asserts that there was no intent on his part to avoid filing a timely report. Mr. Ackal is a district level candidate. This is his second campaign. He was a successful candidate.

Comments:
42:1157, 18:1505.4
ELECTION: October 22, 2011
TYPE OF REPORT: Supplemental
DAYS LATE: 40
ASSESSED FEE: $1,000
REPORT DUE: February 15, 2012
REPORT FILED: March 26, 2012
ACTIVITY REPORTED:
$1,000 in receipts, $ 1,020.81 in disbursements, and $98,674.73 funds on hand

OTHER LATE FILINGS: None

Law:
18:1505.4.A(1) Any candidate, the treasurer or chairman of a political committee, or any other person required to file any reports under this Chapter, who knowingly fails to file or who knowingly fails to timely file any such reports as are required by this Chapter may be assessed a civil penalty as provided in R.S.42:1157 for each day until such report is filed. 18:1485C. Each candidate for a major or district office and each principal campaign committee of a candidate for a major or district office shall electronically file reports of contributions and expenditures with the supervisory committee. Effective January 1, 2012, Act 25 of the 2008 2nd Extraordinary Session requires Major and District office level candidates to electronically file campaign finance disclosure reports. A report is considered not filed until it is filed electronically.

Recommendations:
Decline to waive.
Assigned Attorney: Aneatra Boykin
 
 
ATTACHMENTS:
Description:
2012-754- Waiver Request