Meetings
 
Agenda Item
Docket No. 12-757
 
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RE:
Request that the Board waive the $160 and $480 campaign finance late fees assessed against Michael A. Ragusa, a candidate for Mayor of the Town of Independence in the March 24, 2012 election, whose 30-P and 10-P campaign finance disclosure report were filed 4 and 12 days late.
Facts:
In connection with his request for a waiver of the $160 and $480 late fees assessed for the late filings of a 30-P and 10-P campaign finance reports, Michael A. Ragusa states that his campaign contributions and expenses were very minimal, and he did not have a campaign manager, or any other campaign assistance to help with paperwork. He further states that the balance in his campaign account is $59.66, and the assessed late fees are eleven times the amount he currently has in his campaign account. Mr. Ragusa maintains that he is employed part time as a mayor, working full time hours, and his wages are $1,000 per month. In addition, the late fees would cause a burden financially. Mr. Ragusa is an any other level candidate. This is his second campaign.

Comments:
ELECTION: March 24, 2012
TYPE OF REPORTS: 30-P and 10-P
DAYS LATE: 4 and 12
ASSESSED FEES : $160 and $480
REPORTS DUE: February 23, 2012 and March 14, 2012

REPORTS FILED: February 27, 2012 and March 26, 2012
ACTIVITY REPORTED:

30-P: $4,200 in receipts, $3,655.34 in disbursements, and $544.66 in funds on hand

10-P: $550 in receipts, $1,030 in disbursements, and $109.66 in funds on hand

OTHER LATE FILINGS: 1

An EDE-P campaign finance report filed 6 days late, in connection with the February 9, 2008 election. The late fee assessed for the late filing of the report has been paid.

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.

Recommendations:
Decline to waive.
Assigned Attorney: Aneatra Boykin
 
 
ATTACHMENTS:
Description:
2012-757- Waiver Request