Failure to Pay Political Signage Bond an Oversight, Commissioners Say

A candidate for Ross Township Commissioner filed a complaint Friday alleging that two incumbent commissioners in contested races did not file the proper paperwork or pay the required bond to post political signs. 

John Sponcer, candidate for Ward 3, filed the complaint with the township code enforcement department, saying no permits had been secured as of Oct. 21 by his opponent, Commissioner Dan Kinross or Commissioner Dan DeMarco, of Ward 1. 

Ross Township requires a permit and a cash bond of $100 before political candidates can place temporary signage in the right-of-way within the township. 

The earliest the signs can be posted is 31 days before the election.

The general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 8. 

Contacted by Patch at about 12:20 p.m. Monday, Kinross said Sponcer's information was correct, and that he had forgotten to file the paperwork. 

"They'd be right," he said. "I'll take care of that today." 

Kinross called Patch at 12:45 p.m. and said he had filled out the form and paid the bond. 

"It was an oversight," he said. "Thank you for bringing that to my attention." 

The allegations in the complaint and the payment by Kinross Monday afternoon were confirmed by Township Manager Wayne Jones. 

When reached by Patch early Monday, DeMarco said he filled out the form for the permit and thought he had paid the bond as well. 

"If I didn't, I will certainly give them my money," he said. 

About a half hour later, DeMarco called Patch and said the treasurer of his campaign committee had failed to send the payment in and that he planned to pay the bond Monday evening. 

"It was an oversight on my campaign's part," he said. "I filled out the form. I just assumed the check was sent. I never had any intention to blow off the ordinance." 

DeMarco said he was one of those who pushed for the ordinance requiring the permit and bond in the hopes that it would ensure candidates removed their signs after the election was over.

"It's a means to get the signs pulled," he said. 

Sponcer, responding after being informed that his opponent, Kinross, had paid the bond Monday said "it was a day late and a dollar short."  

Ward 3 is one of three contested seats on the commission. Kinross is running on the Democratic ticket and Sponcer on the Republican ticket. In Ward 1, DeMarco (D) is challenged by Ann Harold (R). In Ward 5, incumbent Grace Stanko (R) is challenged by William A. McKellar (D).

Commissioners Gerald R. O'Brien (D), of Ward 7, and Grant Montgomery (R), of Ward 9, are running unopposed for re-election.  

How do you feel about the initial complaint and the response by Kinross and DeMarco? Tell us in the comments.