Elected officials need to follow a number of rules established by the State Ethics Commission, including an annual personal financial disclosure statement and biannual campaign finance disclosures. Last year as a new City, the Dunwoody candidates filed all forms electronically with the State Ethics Commission and when I went to do it again the system wouldn't allow me online therefore I missed the cutoff. I learned that I was supposed to file my campaign disclosure with the Dunwoody City Clerk and that is what I did as soon as I was able to do so. Since I was late with the filing, which states that I accepted no money from anyone nor did I have any expenses; I am now permanently labeled as an unethical scofflaw. Sometimes it is these types of items which get the biggest play at election time since it is technically correct to state that John Heneghan was found guilty of the Georgia Ethics Regulations and was forced to pay a fine. The funny part is that the $25.00 fine for late filing can be paid with political contributions, which I do not accept, therefore unlike some politicians who are habitually late; I think I have learned my lesson.
In hindsight I guess it could have been worse, I could have been listed as a Dunwoody politician being accused of not paying my taxes.
Who's a naughty boy?
ReplyDeleteYou have my sympathy, John. I hope no one is sufficiently craven to bring this up during the campaign. It is abundantly clear to anyone who takes five minutes to investigate that your "crime" was tardiness.
And yet, I question why you feel compelled, John, to bring up a "Dunwoody politician who failed to pay taxes". Are you pointing fingers at someone else to justify your own mistake?
ReplyDeleteYou know the saying: People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
Joggerdavew, one of the problems in government service is the fact that politicians look the other way and even sweep items under the carpet when it comes to other politicians.
ReplyDeleteTo me this sense of entitlement is just wrong therefore don't be surprised if I throw a rock or two once in a while.
John, then don't forget to throw a stone at our county commissioner, Elaine Boyer: The same ethics web page shows she hasn't even submitted her financial disclosures. (but your error is more suprising, because you seem to always be on top of matters)
ReplyDeleteI guess everyone has a little mean streak. Lest we all forget, John, yes - you ARE a politician.
ReplyDelete