Yesterday, I expressed my concern that my complaint to the Ohio Election Commission (OEC) might be dismissed on technical grounds. Today, I had a telephone conversation with Executive Director of The OEC, Philip Richter, and he gave me encouragement that my complaint will not be summarily dismissed.
My complaint centers on a statement made by the Kettering School Superintendent, Robert Mengerink — “There will be absolutely no increase in taxes as a result of this Renewal Issue” — in “The Blue Ribbon Report,” a newsletter sent to all Kettering households.
“The Blue Ribbon Report” contains no “Paid for by” disclosure that would identify it as official campaign literature. Mr. Richter assured me that, regardless of what I read here, the Commission has the authority to consider material to be “campaign material,” regardless that the “Paid for by” disclosure is missing from the material.
I believe it is fair to consider the Spring, 2009, issue of “The Blue Ribbon Report” as “campaign material.” I requested, and Mr. Richter agreed, that this additional document be added to my original complaint letter.
