| Request that the Board reconsider its decision to reduce $560.00 and decline to waive the $800.00 campaign finance late fees ($1440.00 total) assessed against Scott Washington, an unsuccessful candidate for Police Juror, District 8, Calcasieu Parish in the October 14, 2023 election, whose 10-P and 10-G campaign finance disclosure reports were filed 14 and 20 days late, respectively. |
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Original request stated:
His campaign was completely financed with his funds. He was made aware of the required report when he was notified by the BOE that the report was late. Since the filing process was complicated, he sought help from a CPA. Mr. Washington opened a campaign fund bank account to be compliant. The only transaction in the account was to pay the final credit card bill for funds expended since all charges were applied to the credit card. The bills have been paid and the required reports have been filed.
Reconsideration request states: He believes these late fees are an onerous and excessive order for a one-man campaign for Police Jury in Calcasieu Parish. The candidacy did not solicit or raise money. Mr. Washington wrongfully assumed that since he spent only his money, he would not be required to file. Once he was made aware, he made every effort to comply. Mr. Washington believes that the imposed dates and deadlines are unnecessary because there has been no ethical breach on his behalf. He states that he ran for all the right reasons but was not elected.
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ELECTION: October 14, 2023
TYPES OF REPORT: 10-P &10-G
DAYS LATE: 14 & 20
ASSESSED FEE: $560.00 & $800.00
REPORTS DUE: October 4, 2023 and October 4, 2023
REPORTS FILED: October 18, 2023 and October 18, 2023
ACTIVITY REPORT: 10-P $500.00 Receipts; $-0 in Expenditures and $500.00 Funds at Close of Reporting Period
10-G: $3,290.33 in Receipts; $3,290.33 in Expenditures and $-0 Funds on Hand at Close of Reporting Period
OTHER LATE FILINGS: NONE
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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 for each day until such report is filed.
LAC 52:1205(C) states if a report is filed more than 10 days late and the amount of activity on the report is less than the amount of the late fee to be assessed, the staff may reduce the late fee to the amount of activity or 10 times the per-day penalty, whichever is greater.
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With respect to 10-P, reaffirm prior decision to reduce 10-P to $500 based on Rule 1205C and decline to waive.
With respect to 10-G, reaffirm prior decision to decline to waive.
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| Assigned Attorney: |
Charles Reeves |
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