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Request that the Board waive the two (2) $1,000.00 campaign finance late fees ($2,000.00 total) assessed against Joel Robert, a successful candidate for Council Member, District 2, Ascension Parish, whose 2023 Supplemental campaign finance disclosure reports for the October 12, 2019 and October 13, 2023 elections have not been filed. |
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Joel Robert requests a waiver and states the following: While Mr. Joel Robert employs a private-sector bookkeeper to assist with financial reporting, he acknowledges that he is ultimately responsible for timely submissions. Although unintentional, it was an administrative oversight in failing to coordinate with his bookkeeper. Since winning the first term in 2020, there has only been one deposit to cover the 2023 qualifying fee, one campaign donation, and a check written to qualify for his second term. The current balance in the campaign account is less than the assessed fine. This creates significant hardship in paying the fine. Mr. Robert notes this is his first late filing. He implemented a calendar reminder system for filing deadlines and established clear communication protocols to avoid this issue moving forward. Please waive the late fee.
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ELECTION: October 12, 2019 and October 14, 2023
TYPES OF REPORT: 2023 SUPPL
DAYS LATE: Not filed
ASSESSED FEE: $1,000.00 & $1,000.00
REPORTS DUE: Both February 15, 2024
REPORTS FILED: Not Filed
ACTIVITY REPORT: N/A
OTHER LATE FILINGS:
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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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| Assigned Attorney: |
Charles Reeves |
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