By Regan McCarthy
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-981383.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – The Florida Elections Commission heard appeals from candidates fined for failing to turn in elections reports on time. Regan McCarthy reports the commission collected thousands of dollars in late fees, but also waived thousands of dollars in fines.
The elections commission heard appeals for fines levied when candidates failed to turn in campaign records on time. Appeals are granted when commissioners find there are unusual circumstances for the late file for example leniency was given to a mother whose daughter had come home for Thanksgiving from law school and whose son was about to be deployed, As well as to a man who suffered a 3-week illness. Commissioner Brian Seymour says the purpose of the appeals committee is to provide understanding in those extenuating circumstances. But he says the commission does take the deadlines seriously.
"The legislature put these rules in place so that the public could know where the money is coming from and where the money is going. You really as a candidate need to make sure you follow those procedures. When you don't, if there's a circumstance, we had one last year where the house got hit by lightening and the computers were shut down, that's something that s rare, very unique."
Seymour says the commission is charged with ensuring fair election practices, not growing state revenue.
"Our job is not to deal with the budge of the state of Florida, that's the legislature's job and they do a fine job of it. It's a very difficult job and I respect them. Our job is to apply things in the right circumstance. We're not trying to raise money for the state of Florida we're trying to apply the laws as the legislature has written them."
The commission levied thousands of dollars in fines. The money collected will go to the state's general revenue fund.