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PRESS RELEASE CONTACT: 5th Ward Democrat Violates Campaign Finance Law PROVIDENCE As of 10:55am EST on this date, Patrick Butler, the Democratic challenger in the race for Providence's 5th Ward City Council race, stands in violation of Rhode Island's campaign finance laws, it was announced this morning in front of the State Board of Elections on Branch Avenue by Republican candidate Mark Harriman. "Patrick Butler failed to pay his car taxes on time, raising the question of how he was able to even register his car for years. He has failed to address my challenge of refusing pension credits for serving on City Council. He has refused to debate the issues facing the 5th Ward in a public forum. Now he has failed to follow a set of simple election laws. What's next?," Harriman stated in referring to Butler's failure to file the required financial statements which were due at the Board of Elections on September 30th and October 6th , respectively. According to records obtained from the Board of Elections, two previous reports were also filed in an untimely manner, bringing Butler's total of late filings to four. "While campaign finance reports are sometimes innocently filed after a deadline or delayed for a good reason, my opponent has insulted the intelligence of all Providence residents by blatantly disregarding the laws of our state," Harriman stated, also referring to his own late filing of his October 6th campaign report. "My opponent requested a seven day extension of time on October 7th , and to date the reports have not been filed! Patrick Butler is even late at being late. Let's see those reports! He is attempting to hide the fact that he is the ultimate political insider who believes he is unaccountable for his actions." "This campaign is about experience, leadership and results. It's also about integrity. Mark Harriman has it. It's obvious that Patrick Butler does not." Copies of Butler's three requests for extension of the filing deadlines, which cover four reporting periods, have been retrieved from the Board of Elections. The next filing deadline is October 28th. |