From the MJ:

Elections panel imposes fines on councilman

Smith may have to pay thousands for late finance reports

By Andy Sedlak and Jessica Heffner, Staff Writers 10:41 PM Thursday, August 18, 2011

MIDDLETOWN — A city councilman may have to pay more than $24,000 in fines after a state agency ruled he has failed to file necessary financial reports.

The Ohio Elections Commission on Thursday imposed fines against Councilman A.J. Smith for not properly filing his campaign finance reports from his 2009 campaign with the Butler County Board of Elections. The reports have been late since Dec. 22, 2009, and the fine is $25 per day that will continue to accrue until his documentation is submitted, according to the commission. It adds up to $24,250 in fines as of today.

Smith, who did not attend the hearing, said of the fine that “it’s all good.”

“It’s really nothing more than a misunderstanding,” Smith, 22, said. “I am not in a panic.”

An affidavit can be submitted by Smith to the commission within the next 45 days responding to the ruling. Smith can also bring his files into compliance — an option he could have exercised since the complaint was filed, according to the elections commission.

If the paperwork or affidavit is not filed and the fine is not paid within 45 days, the case will be forwarded to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office for collection, said Chris Hughes, of the Ohio Elections Commission.

Smith said he plans to file the affidavit, and said the complaints about his finance reports are “a matter of opinion.

“I understand my position,” Smith said. “People are going to make of this what they want to.”

Smith’s treasurer, Charles Turner, submitted a written response regarding the issue, said Philip Richter, executive director of the Ohio Elections Commission.

“Essentially (Turner) said he was asked to do the work but never really had any control of the information, documentation or anything like that,” Richter said. “He tried to say, essentially, he wasn’t responsible for any of it.”

And the hits just keep on a comin' from our 2nd Ward rep. Just goes to show you the difference in people and their approach to a problem. Mr. Smith thinks "it's all good".....no problem.....just a misunderstanding. I, on the other hand, would be worried sick about how I was going to come up with $24,000 in fines (and growing everyday) and whether I was going to jail eventually when I couldn't come up with that kind of money. Then, to have your treasurer say none of it was his fault and trying to opt out, is not exactly reassuring as to support.

Mercy!

Must be nice to think nothing is going to happen with the state breathing down your neck.

Doesn't everybody see....nothing is ever AJ's fault. It is all just a misunderstanding!!!!!!

Cant Council vote to remove the Misunderstood A.J.? How long does this dead city have to put up with his inconsiderate ways? Again A.J.,Dont go away mad just go the hell away.