Lansdowne Republican Party and Sharon Hill Democrats Seek Campaign Finance Waivers

In a recent meeting held at the Delaware County Board of Elections, the atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency as officials gathered to address pressing campaign finance waiver requests. The meeting, led by Campaign Finance Supervisor Lisa Jackson, focused on three specific cases that highlighted the complexities of compliance within local political committees.

The first request came from the Lansdowne Republican Party, where the treasurer had resigned in 2019 but failed to formally close the campaign account. This oversight led to accumulated fees totaling $4,000, including $1,500 owed to the county and $2,500 to the state of Pennsylvania. Jackson recommended a waiver, citing the treasurer's health issues and the misunderstanding surrounding the resignation process. Board members expressed empathy for the situation, acknowledging the treasurer's efforts to rectify the matter despite personal challenges.

Next, the Democratic Committee of Sharon Hill sought a waiver for $500 in late fees incurred due to the previous treasurer's noncompliance. The new treasurer had successfully updated the committee's reports and was not responsible for the prior failures. Jackson again recommended waiving the fees, emphasizing the importance of supporting those who are working to bring their committees into compliance.

The final case involved the Darby Borough Democratic Committee, which had been noncompliant since February 2022, resulting in $870 in fees. The new treasurer was making strides to correct the issues left by the previous treasurer, who had also resigned. Jackson supported waiving these fees, reinforcing the board's commitment to encouraging compliance rather than punishing those attempting to fix past mistakes.

Throughout the discussions, board members raised concerns about the potential for repeat offenses and the need for clear communication regarding the responsibilities of new treasurers. They acknowledged that while waiving fines could foster a more cooperative environment, it was crucial to ensure that committees understood their obligations to prevent future issues.

Ultimately, the board unanimously approved Jackson's recommendations to waive the fees for all three committees, marking a significant step towards fostering compliance and encouraging active participation in local governance. As the meeting concluded, the board members reflected on the delicate balance between accountability and support, recognizing that their decisions could shape the future of political engagement in Delaware County.