Board grants Collindale Democratic Committee a campaign-finance fee waiver; members push for training

The Board unanimously approved a campaign finance fee waiver for the Collindale Democratic Committee at its Sept. 22 meeting after staff said the group's new treasurer has tried to obtain records from the former treasurer and from the bank.

Mr. Allen presented the waiver request and explained staff recommended approval as a first-time filing failure. Board members expressed sympathy for the treasurer's difficulty accessing records at the Clifton Heights branch of Citizens Bank and asked whether the office could offer training to committees to prevent repeated compliance issues. Staff said Lisa Jackson, campaign finance supervisor, already provides individualized assistance and the office will explore prerecorded or live training options.

Chair moved to accept the staff recommendation to grant the waiver; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Board members noted the office reserves discretion to limit future waivers if a pattern of noncompliance emerges.