The Kane County Democrats have been receiving “Letters to the Editor” that concerned local residents are afraid to submit to newspapers for fear that their name will be added to the publication resulting in them being targeted with violence by GOP followers who feel enabled by Trump’s abhorrent rhetoric.
What follows is one of those recent letters submitted to us.
I believe it is important that all candidates comply with the regulations governing campaign finances. I am concerned that Mr. Lance Bell, candidate for the Kane County Board, is not being honest by not reporting all of his campaign income and expenditures.
The rules must apply to all candidates. It would be unfair if candidates are able to buy an advantage over their competitors. No one should be able to conceal financial support from the voters. It is dangerous, and Un-American for candidates to deliberately conceal who is funding their campaign. That’s why any contributions above $1,000 in goods or dollars must be reported by law.
Illinois Campaign Disclosure rules (Notification of in-Kind Contributions) specifies that the Lance Bell campaign finance irregularities may include:
There are numerous large campaign signs on many of the main streets in Kane County, and in neighborhoods. However, the costs of these signs and stands are not reflected in Mr. Bell’s campaign financial reports. The amount of literature and yard signs that support his campaign does not line up with reported donations.
Monetary and in-kind contributions have not been reported for fundraising events such as the Kane County Rising: “Building a Stronger Tomorrow: held on Tuesday, October 15th at Goebbert Events, Pingree Grove, IL. On social media (Facebook, September 25th ) this event was described as a fundraiser featuring Lance Bell. Flyers invited people to become Table Captains to recruit “fellow patriots” and to contribute to support “the future of Kane County” and to help “turn Kane County RED”. These donations must be accounted for.
The financial records for additional events for his campaign should also be audited. It is the fiscal responsibility of candidates to disclose how they are paying for their campaigns. Mr. Bell’s campaign highlights his commitment to “Prioritizing Fiscal Responsibility” (specifically: “Balanced Budgets, Responsible Spending, Financial Transparency” https://bellforkane.com/platform) In view of these values, Mr. Bell should be voluntarily providing all required data, instead of hiding contributions to his campaign.
No candidates should be above the election laws. We all need to play by the rules. The voters in Kane County deserve to know who these individuals and businesses are, and what organizations that are financing candidates for the County Board.
