Fitzgerald in Violation of Election Laws

[Stan Austin]

Paid for by Friends of Tom George, 1048 Homewood Drive, Lakewood, Ohio 44107, Lathy Laino, Treasurer. Produced In-House.
BREAKING NEWS Contact: Alan Melamed
November 5, 2007 216.659.6300
OHIO ELECTIONS COMMISSION FINDS LAKEWOOD MAYORAL CANDIDATE
ED FITZGERALD VIOLATED OHIO LAW: 6 OF 7 COUNTS
LAKEWOOD, OH – After a lengthy, nearly 3-hour hearing, the Ohio Elections Commission found
that Lakewood Councilman and Mayoral Candidate Ed FitzGerald violated Ohio law numerous times
by making false statements in campaign material. The Commission’s findings against FitzGerald
include:

Four violations relating to false statements about an income tax increase, including a statement
that Mayor George is proposing to increase City income taxes by 33% after the election

A violation for falsely stating that there was a million dollar mistake in budget estimating for
City water projects

A violation for not having the requiring disclaimers on a campaign video and his website
In response to the news Mayor Tom George said, “We have always wanted this to be a campaign about
the issues facing Lakewood. It is unfortunate that Mr. FitzGerald chose instead to make this a
campaign of outright falsehoods, misrepresentations and scare tactics. Lakewood voters deserve
better.â€Â

[Ivor Karabatkovic]

so what does this mean in terms of tomorrow?

[Grace O'Malley]

BREAKING NEWS
Contact: Alan Melamed
November 5, 2007

OHIO ELECTIONS COMMISSION FINDS LAKEWOOD MAYORAL CANDIDATE
ED FITZGERALD VIOLATED OHIO LAW: 6 OF 7 COUNTS

LAKEWOOD, OH – After a lengthy, nearly 3-hour hearing, the Ohio Elections Commission found that Lakewood Councilman and Mayoral Candidate Ed FitzGerald violated Ohio law numerous times by making false statements in campaign material. The Commission’s findings against FitzGerald include:

Four violations relating to false statements about an income tax increase, including a statement that Mayor George is proposing to increase City income taxes by 33% after the election
A violation for falsely stating that there was a million dollar mistake in budget estimating for City water projects
A violation for not having the requiring disclaimers on a campaign video and his website

In response to the news Mayor Tom George said, “We have always wanted this to be a campaign about the issues facing Lakewood. It is unfortunate that Mr. FitzGerald chose instead to make this a campaign of outright falsehoods, misrepresentations and scare tactics. Lakewood voters deserve better.â€Â

[sharon kinsella]

It means that you should think about this when you go to vote Ivor!

[Grace O'Malley]

It proves that Ed Fitzgerald is not to be believed.

It proves that Fitzgerald manipulates and distorts the truth.

Is that the kind of person you want as mayor of this great city?

[Bill Varkonyi]

What (if any) are the repercussions to these findings?

[Bryan Schwegler]

so what does this mean in terms of tomorrow?

It means nothing. Both candidates are still running, both can be elected. Vote for the best candidate.

[Lynn Farris]

What does it mean in general is Ed fined - or what?

[Bryan Schwegler]

OMG....can we PLEASE keep this to one thread?

I've now counted 3 times this was posted by 3 different people.

This election is getting out of control on the deck I swear.

[Rick Uldricks]

deleted

[Bryan Schwegler]

What does it mean in general is Ed fined - or what?

Generally yes, these result in a fine.

The alleged violations against George will also be decided soon.

[David Scott]

Is there a violation of journalistic standards with the reporter that covers City Hall makes such blatant partisian comments ?

I think all future coverage of the City by this reporter is now tainted, and its not his first comment like this. If there is an editorial board, how to you separate commentary from reporting ?

[Mary Breiner]

It is perfectly appropriate that DL posted a new link now that the commission has ruled. The previous links were way off topic. This post clarifies that indeed laws were violated and citizens reading on the Deck should be aware of this fact. Now, those that would like to comment on THIS late breaking news should feel free to do so.

Thanks,


Mary Breiner

[David Lay]

Is there a violation of journalistic standards with the reporter that covers City Hall makes such blatant partisian comments ?

I think all future coverage of the City by this reporter is now tainted, and its not his first comment like this. If there is an editorial board, how to you separate commentary from reporting ?

...for posting a Press Release?

[Bryan Schwegler]

This has been posted 3 times. It should be combined, it's just obnoxious to have campaigns posting multiple posts about the same topic.

Honestly, it's just poor netiquette.