"Joe,
Candi here again. I see what my friend means. This blog is addictive!
Anyway, sorry, I'm not an attorney, so I can't speak with enough authority on this. But I can share what Spelman University requires (bold is mine):
"Federal law prohibits Spelman College from raising funds for a political candidate or political party. This prohibition includes using Spelman facilities, personnel or other resources for partisan political activities. In addition, employees may not use the College seal, letterhead, symbols, or other identifiable marks of institutional affiliation (including photos of Spelman buildings) to endorse or promote political parties, campaigns or candidates. Spelman funds cannot be used to reimburse individuals for political donations, and no employee can implicitly or explicitly require any Spelman employee to make a political contribution.. Watch out, too, for web pages – for example, a link to only one candidate’s web page or information on a Spelman website may be interpreted as favoring a particular candidate. Faculty and staff who advise campaigns or candidates on policy or strategic issues may do so but must be explicit in communications that they do not represent the College in this regard.
Candidate Appearances on Campus. Candidates for political office may speak on campus at the invitation of the College or organizations affiliated with the College as long as:
* Spelman provides equal speaking opportunities to political candidates seeking the same office;
* Spelman as an institution is not indicated as being in support of or opposition to the candidate (this should be stated explicitly when the candidate is introduced and in announcements of the candidate’s attendance);
* No political fundraising occurs; and
* The appearance is a speech, a Q& A session, or a similar format typical of an educational activity at an academic institution."
Even though Mr. Schuster didn't use the development's letterhead, he promoted one candidate and plans to use the development's facilities."
Might I add, I have spoken to several people in which stated that he does connect himself on the document with the Development by stating the address. That's where the advice came in on "abusing." It's a fine line and IF enough concerned people get on the phone tomorrow morning, much of this should be straightened out. This is the kind of tactics the Tilghman Administration have played for many years. However, before I came along there was NOTHING they could do because no one had a voice. Now they have the voice of thousands upon thousands of people each and every day and this is exactly why the current Mayor is stepping down. She can't get away with it any more and she knows it.
"Even though Mr. Schuster didn't use the development's letterhead, he promoted one candidate and plans to use the development's facilities"
ReplyDeleteHe may not have used the developments letterhead it is common knowledge that he is the owner of that development. His name is on the main sign at the front.
He is not promoting just one candidate, he is promoting 2 candidates. This is corruption at its best. This man has benifited from both Gary Comegys and Shanie Shields vote at the tax payers expense. This is extremely unethical and possibly illegal. Call the elections board first thing tomorrow and complain.
Where is that dirty dozen when we need them.
The property is a tax credit community and funded under Low Income Housing Tax Credit program, Section 42 of the IRS.
ReplyDeleteAny event held at the community must be for the benefit of all the residents. Therefore, a resident only needs to extend an invitation to the other candidates for the same time and same place. If ownership and management prevents the others from attending, they would have a problem.
Sorry, you all. Not being from here, I don't know what signs they have out front. But you're right. The letter mentions two, both incumbents, right?
ReplyDeleteCandi
P.S., wow, Joe! I feel famous with my own post on your blog. (I'm getting ribbed a bit right now.)
ReplyDeleteCandi
Better you than me Candi, I get enough of it on a regular basis. LOL
ReplyDelete