NEW: Board of Elections Files Suit to Collect Campaign Finance Fines
Wednesday, November 02, 2011
In an effort to collect over $1 million in unpaid campaign finance fines, the state Board of Elections has filed suit against five individuals it claims owes more than $67,000 in fines dating back to October 2003.
The candidates include:
Newport Councilman Stephen Coyne, who owes $5348 for failing to file 11 reports dating back to May 2005;
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTProvidence Councilman Kevin Jackson, who owes $23,276 for failing to file 30 reports going back to October 2004;
Former Central Falls Councilman Ricardo Patino, who owes $10,670 dating back to November, 2005;
State Rep candidate Mark Plympton, who owes $17,636 dating back to October 2008; and
Former Providence Councilman Leon Tejada, who owes $10,671 dating back to October 2004.
“We have repreatedly offered to help them submit reports,” Robert Kando, the Board’s Executive Director said. “Filing suit was a last resort. Hopefully they will get the message. There is still time for them to resolve this. Otherwise, they will end up paying a lot more than just their fines.”
According to the Board of Elections, at least 225 current and former elected officials and candidate owe over $1 million in delinquent fines, court costs and attorney’s fees.