Funds revoked from campaign account upon ruling
Date: 11/21/2012
By Carley Dangona
carley@thereminder.comWEST SPRINGFIELD — In the fall edition of its newsletter, the Massachusetts Office of Campaign & Political Finance (OCPF) released the findings in an investigation of Joan George, administrative assistant to Mayor Gregory Neffinger, regarding violation of Sections 7, 13 and 14 of the laws regarding campaign finances.
Section 7 prohibits the acceptance of monies acquired in violation of OCPF guidelines; Section 13 inhibits state, county, city or town employees from seeking or obtaining monetary gifts for candidates of public offices; and Section 14 prohibits the soliciting of alms in buildings of state, county or municipal purposes.
As penalty for the violation, the $450 raised from the solicitation was removed Mayor Gregory Neffinger's campaign account and donated to charity.
In a letter addressed to the mayor, Michael Sullivan, director of OCPF, outlined the findings of the inquiry. He stated the two emails sent on Jan. 25, contained no specific requests for contributions to the mayor's campaign fund.
The letter also stated, "At your [Neffinger's] request, OCPF conducted an educational seminar on the campaign finance law for all [of the] mayor's office staff and all West Springfield department heads."
Jason Tait, spokesman for OCPF, explained the matter. "Public employees are prohibited from soliciting or receiving campaign funds 24/7," he said. "No government buildings or public resources can be used."
He added, "The presentations are common, we conduct about 60 seminars a year in regards to the issue."
George commented on the situation. "I was surprised by the investigation. I had no idea it was against policy or and OCPF issue. People kept asking me when and where the party was — my intent was just to inform those who wanted to go," she said.
"This [the emails] occurred back in January. The matter is closed. Michael Sullivan went through the rules and regulations in a seminar workshop. His [overall] point was to be very careful what we do with public email. It was very informative and interesting," she continued.
The OCPF letter included a footnote that said, "George's first email stated, in part, 'Several people have asked me about time and place of the get-together this Sunday night . Just because I'm sending this does not mean you have to go! It's for any who are interested."
Neffinger declined to comment.
