Editor, The Spotlight:
My friends and neighbors have been invited to a fund raiser for Bill Reinhardt. The invite suggests a contribution in the amount of $99.
It’s an odd number until you realize that contributions of that amount (and those that are less than $100) do not have to be reported, by name, on the candidate’s periodic filing with the Board of Elections.
Personally, I prefer to know who is providing the financial support for the candidates on the ballot. The election laws are designed to provide such transparency. This invitation, in specifically asking for a donation “below the limit”, raises a question in my mind as to the candidate’s commitment to “openness” and transparency.
We’ve not heard much on the issues but we do know from the primary debate that Mr. Reinhardt will support John Clarkson’s 8% tax increase on town residents. We also know, from life’s experience, that an individual’s actions speak volumes about character and intent. In my opinion Mr. Reinhardt’s “sine nomine” strategy is a cynical attempt to circumvent the spirit of the election disclosure regulations. That’s not transparent, it’s not “open”, and it raises a question about the ethics of the man who hopes to serve on our Town Board.
Bill Kolberg
Delmar