Democrats fined in financing snafu

Township Committee canididates have problems with paperwork

By: Casha Caponegro
   Over the last two election years, three of Cranbury’s Democratic candidates for Township Committee received complaints for filing election documents incorrectly.
   Committeeman Richard Stannard and Mary Ellen Larson, who ran for committee seats in the 2001 general election, were issued complaints on May 1 by the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission. Committee member Pari Stave also received a complaint, issued Sept. 6 of 2001, for incorrectly filing for the 2000 general election.
   According to the commission’s deputy director, Jeff Brindle, every candidate is required to file reports detailing their campaign contributions three times during their campaign: 20 days prior to the election, 11 days prior to the election and 20 days after the election. Failure to do so results in a complaint.
   The candidates said the complaints were the result of their own mistakes and are not related in anyway to the Democratic Party.
   "It seems to be a stupid coincidence," said Mr. Stannard, who said the complaint was filed because he submitted his campaign paperwork late. "I did all of my own paperwork, so it has nothing to do with the party," he said.
   Ms. Larson said her complaint was the result of timing.
   "I was waiting for information from the election board," said Ms. Larson, who admitted that she had some confusion when filing her paperwork. "They were unclear in their instructions."
   Ms. Stave said her complaint was the result of a "basic misunderstanding."
   "I mistakenly submitted the form on the primary election for the general election and I was supposed to use a different form," said Ms. Stave, who mentioned the issue has long since been resolved.
   Ms. Stave paid a penalty of $200. A final decision released by the commission on Oct. 24, 2001 indicated the she did not owe any further fees.
   According to a final decision released by the commission on June 5, Mr. Stannard paid a penalty fee of $450 and does not owe any additional fees.
   Ms. Larson said her complaint has been resolved, but a final decision from the commission has not been released.
   According to Mr. Brindle, the final decision on Ms. Larsons complaint will be held Sept. 18.
   Mr. Brindle said the complaints have nothing to do with the Democratic Party and were the result of individual mistakes.
   "This has absolutely nothing to do with a conspiracy," said Mr. Brindle, pointing out that his organization is a bi-partisan commission. "We act as the prosecutor and judge. We don’t get involved in partisan politics."