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Topic: Mays to Woodson- Election investigations!
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Pursuant to MCL 169.205(2) an election includes a recall vote. Under MCL 169.203(4) "committee means a person who receives contributions for the purpose of influencing or attempting to influence the actions of voters for or against the nomination or election of a candidate or the qualification, passage, or defeat of a ballot question if contributions received total $500.00 or more in a calendar year."

"Political Committee as defined in MCL 169.211(2) means a committee that is not a candidate committee, political party committee, independent committee, or a ballot question committee. The Michigan Campaign Finance Act clearly states that whenever a "person" reaches the $500 threshold in receipts of expenditures in a calendar year to influence voters for or against the nomination or election of one or more candidates in Michigan, it has 10 calendar days to register as a "committee". State of Michigan Political Organization documents emphasize that the expenditure of $500.00 or more in a calendar year to influence voters for or against the recall of a public official are required to register as a Political Committee."
Post Thu Mar 29, 2018 8:37 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Genesee County officials have previously operated under the erroneous assumption that a recall committee was not required to file statements of organization and/or campaign statements until recall petitions are certified. Thus, in 2005, when the political firm of Mays and Goodman failed to produce enough valid signatures to force a recall of Mayor Donald Williamson,the Genesee County Clerks office stated the firm was not required to file campaign statements although the media reported they raised $7,500. Abuses such as these reinforce the belief that special interest groups have excessive influence in the political process.

The Citizens for a Better Flint clearly identified themselves and continue to identify themselves as a recall group. They have self reported donations exceeding $10,000 and have never organized as a PAC. Instead they formed a Michigan Domestic Nonprofit in a publicly stated attempt to circumvent the MIchigan Campaign Finance Act.
Post Thu Mar 29, 2018 8:56 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Although.the recall was certified, the group held a final recall related fundraiser at the White Horse bar on January 15, 2009. A $20.00 donation was requested and the fundraiser appeared to be well attended. ABC-WJRT Channel 12 reported on the event and interviewed organizer Alex harris at his home and at the bar.

Mayor Donald J. Williamson was re-elected on November 7, 2007.On April 17, 2008 the Flint Journal reported Alex harris, Chairperson of CBF, was organizing a group of 30 to 40 people to work on a recall. He was quoted as saying he could not begin the recall until May 13, 2008, which would be the prerequisite six months after the election before a recall can be implemented. On May 14 2008, the Flint Journal reported Harris had filed the recall language. By May 16,2008, Harris had issued a press release announcing that he was spokesperson for the recall and had future plans for a new headquarters at 818 Ann Arbor Street.
Post Thu Mar 29, 2018 9:13 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

The CBF held a "Boot the Don-It's Time to recall the Don" fundraiser at Mott Community College on August 14, 2008. The announcement carried a disclaimer-"hosted snd paid for by the Citizens for a Better Flint 1107 Beard Street, Phone 65-4192". The group requested donations for the recall.sold "Boot the Don" tee shirts, and gave out recall petitions. Alexz Harris went on the M-Live blog the next day and thanked all that worked on behalf of therecall.

There was a Flint Journal news story that addressed CBF having a petition drive in August at the Flint Hasselbring Community Center on Home Avenue. On August 29,2008, the same day CBF filed their incorporation documents, Alez Harris announced the Grand opening of the new headquarters.

A second fundraiser was held to recall Fon Williamson on October 15, 008 at the White Horse Bar and Grill. A $50.00 donation was requested. The next day the recall petitions were submitted.
Post Thu Mar 29, 2018 9:28 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Most revealing is the Flint Journal story on November 8,2008 that detailed the accomplishments of the CBF and how they received over $10,000 in funding and formed a non-profit organization that would keep the financial backers of CBF a secret.

"And harris said another tactical decision was creating a 501(c)4-the designation for political accounts set up as nonprofits to avoid campaign finance laws, including. disclosure of contributors".

"If they had formed a traditional election committee. the names of donors and how much they gave would have to be filed with the Genesee County Elections office."
Post Thu Mar 29, 2018 9:39 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

The purpose of the corporation is intentionally vague. Article II reads: ""To act and operate as an organization dedicated to improving political practices in the City of Flint, MIchigan and to contribute to Flint's sociala and economic betterment as well."

As a Michigan nonprofit, CBF cannot collect money or make expenditures on behalf of the recall election or another political purpose without the creation of a separate segregated fund(MCL 169.255).

Under Article VI Limitations (b) it states "The activities of the corporation shall only be used to engage in political activities that promote positive change related to better government that serves the interest and common good of the Flint and Genesee County constituents;encourage ethical, moral, legal and "best practice" by its local elected officials and state and federally funded institutions."
Post Thu Mar 29, 2018 9:55 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

The CBF followed all steps of the recall and should have filed as a Political Committee. In addition they have have made expenditures in excess of those allowed by a Political Committee. The limits established for an Independent Committee don't even come into play,as they never made the initial filing as a political committee.

The complaint noted how CBF had made any steps toward performing any "social welfare" activities and may have been willing to intervene in other elections as well.

The goal of the Michigan Secretary of State in elections is to fix campaign related issues and prevent them from being repeated/

According to the Genesee County Clerk, CBF had to pay a $3,000 fine. That does not include any costs associated with the SOS office.
Post Thu Mar 29, 2018 10:37 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Mays says he will attempt to recall councilwoman 9th Ward Eva Worthing. It looks like he can't manipulate her.
Post Tue Jun 12, 2018 2:18 pm 
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