CLEARFIELD – Clearfield County’s Board of Elections has responded to a complaint concerning issues with campaign finance reports filed by James Glass, a candidate for Magisterial District Judge 46-3-04.
The complaint involved four, separate issues. The first was campaign yard signs from Action Graphics, totaling $867.01. The board said Glass provided a receipt, dated Jan. 27, 2017, in the amount referenced in the report, and it feels that it’s valid and accurate.
The second issue involved radio advertising on WOKW. The board said Glass provided a check, dated May 4, 2017, that was payable to the station in the amount of $223. It was noted that Glass had filed an expense reporting waiver, and this was the only item reported for the period from May 2 through June 5. As a result, the board found that Glass’ expenses were below the $250 reporting threshold, and he’s not required to submit a report for that period.
The third issue involved campaign mailers. The board said Glass provided an invoice for 1,500 campaign mailers, which was dated May 17, 2017 in the amount of $550.78. While it was dated in May, the board indicated the invoice stated that “full payment is due Nov. 10, 2017.”
The board went on to explain that because payment is not due until November, this expense does not need to be reported until the candidate actually makes payment on the invoice. Glass verbally confirmed that he will be paying the vendor on or near the payment due date.
The fourth and final issue involved newspaper advertising. The board said Glass confirmed paying for one newspaper ad that he properly reported on his campaign finance report filed May 5, 2017.
He explained that additional ads were purchased by his parents with the understanding that they would eventually invoice him for their costs. Before the invoice could be issued, Glass’ father passed away.
In response, the board would recommend that Glass file an amended report for this period. He was directed to list the amount paid for the ads as an expense either as a contribution or an unpaid debt if he plans to make a reimbursement, and it should be attributed to his parents.
The board said as with any amended report, the candidate is responsible to pay the late fees associated with the filing.
The board advised both Glass and his opponent, Jeffrey T. Peachman, that an audit of its decision in this matter may be filed with the Court of Common Pleas if they disagree with the Board of Elections.