Residents press council over Clock Tower Collaborative and Ohio Elections Commission findings; councilors respond

Several Hudson residents used the council’s public‑comment period on June 3, 2025, to criticize the Clock Tower Collaborative and to cite a recent Ohio Elections Commission (OEC) finding that the Collaborative had operated as an unregistered political-action committee.

Speakers at the lectern included Sarah Norman, Brigitte Girard, Mike Grace, Scott Roofer, Anthony Revita and a resident who asked to have a letter read into the record on behalf of Joe Creehan. Commenters praised council members who publicized the OEC decision and urged the council to insist on transparency and accountability. Brigitte Girard told the council she believed the group and some local candidates coordinated improperly and that campaign-finance cooperation is “strictly prohibited.” Scott Roofer said he filed the OEC complaint and described the decision as the outcome of a bipartisan hearing; he asked council members to support disclosure.

Council President Chris Foster addressed the public comments during council replies, saying the OEC found the Clock Tower Collaborative had been operating as a PAC and that the commission could have required more extensive reporting and fines. Foster said discovery showed checks earmarked for candidates had been collected at the same time as PAC checks, a practice he described as “bundling” and potentially illegal. Foster also referenced invoices and prior city payments to a communication firm connected to the Collaborative’s founder, saying he had concerns about those financial links.

In response, Councilor Patricia Getz (referred to in the meeting as “Getz”) and Councilor Byrd said they previously had matters dismissed by the OEC or in local proceedings. Getz stated that in January 2024 she and Byrd went before the Ohio Elections Commission and that charges were dismissed. Byrd also referenced a separate court dismissal earlier and said the OEC found no collusion in his case.

Councilor Kowalski read a letter from resident Joe Creehan asserting that Hudson Forward Together (HFT) had not been a PAC and disputing some public allegations; the letter said the OEC fine was a small administrative penalty related to a single endorsement and urged the city to avoid amplifying conspiracy narratives.

No formal council action on the political‑activity allegations occurred during the meeting. The matter remained a subject of public comment and council responses rather than a council‑driven investigation or motion at the June 3 session.