Foes of School Bond Measure Fined by State

The state Fair Political Practices Commission has fined a group opposing the Torrance school bond measure that goes to voters tonight for failing to file campaign contribution reports and other statements in a timely manner.

The commission last week fined Save Money with Accountability and Responsible Taxation (SMART) $12,000--the maximum $2,000 for each of the six counts levied. The charges include failing to file preelection statements, campaign contributions and a statement of organization.

SMART Chairman Rick Marshall said the appropriate forms were filed late for the June election, but argued that the paperwork for the November and tonight’s elections were filed on time. The county registrar-recorder’s office also fined the group $1,760 last month for late filings and then reduced the fee to $880.

“We don’t understand where this miscommunication came from. We thought we satisfied our obligations with FPPC,” said Marshall. “We filed in a timely manner and and we have the registrar stamps to prove it.”

Marshall said the group plans to fight the fines. A spokesman for the FPPC said the group will have an opportunity to have its case heard before an administrative law judge.