Formal state hearing for Round Lake Heights political complaint unlikely
State election officials expect to decide next week whether to accept a recommendation against holding a public hearing on accusations a Round Lake Heights political slate didn't follow campaign finance law.
Jeffrey Kissinger of Round Lake Heights filed the complaint in mid-August against the rival Party for Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. Kissinger was on the Party for Putting People First slate in his unsuccessful attempt to unseat Mayor Terrance Lumpkins, who headlined the rival political group.
At a meeting Oct. 20, the state board of elections' business is to include considering a recommendation that a formal hearing not be granted for Kissinger's complaint. Hearing examiner Tony Morgando Jr. issued the recommendation to the board Sept. 20.
Morgando last month presided over a preliminary hearing on claims Party for Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow improperly omitted cash contributions and expenditures from final campaign financial documents for the period Jan. 1 to June 30.
In addition, Kissinger contended the opposing slate listed $1,752.81 in total election expenditures without showing what the money was spent on, as required in the final report.
Morgando, in his written recommendations and conclusions as hearing examiner, wrote there was an implication Kissinger's complaint was justified.
"Regardless," Morgando added, "it is the opinion of the Hearing Examiner that NO public hearing be conducted in this matter."
Morgando also wrote that Party for Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow filed a final campaign disclosure report in lieu of a June 2009 semiannual document. He said the final report arrived two days late, which "would necessitate a civil penalty" he didn't specify.
Kissinger said Monday he was confused by what he called mixed messages in the hearing examiner's finding. He said he'll consider attending the Oct. 20 elections board meeting in a last-ditch effort to convince officials to hold a formal hearing on his complaint.
Lumpkins could not be reached for comment. He previously said Party for Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow's paperwork will be amended and filed with the state.