Candidates face $4,000 fines for late filings

Monday, Oct. 21, 2002 | 9:19 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Assembly Speaker Pro-Tem Wendell Williams, D-Las Vegas, and five other candidates from Clark County are facing fines of $4,075 for failing to file their campaign contribution and expense reports in August.

The secretary of state's office mailed letters last week to 14 candidates statewide who have not yet submitted their report.

Kristi Geiser, campaign finance officer for the office, said the fines are escalating at $100 a day for each day the candidates delay in filing the report.

Williams could not be reached for comment.

Geiser said among those from Clark County who have not submitted their reports are Darryl Glover in Assembly District 7; David Greigo in District 5; and Lloyd Hargis in Assembly District 37.

Kevin Williams, a candidate for the Clark County Commission, and Gary Scacco of the Overton Power District also owe $4,075, Geiser said.

In addition, $80,200 is owed by 21 Independent American Party candidates who refused to provide information on their campaign reports. They cited Fifth Amendment rights in not providing the required information.

Among the IAP members who face fines of $4,075 apiece are David Holmgren, a candidate for governor; Merritt Yochum, running for lieutenant governor; and Christopher Hansen of Henderson, a candidate for secretary of state.

Clark County District Judge John McGroarty was late in filing his report and is facing a $1,075 fine. He has requested the fine be waived. Others asking for a waiver include Ann Adam, who ran for Clark County public administrator and owes $1,875; Barry Keller, a candidate for Las Vegas constable who owes $1,975; and Esther Quisenberry, a candidate for Clark County Commission who owes $1,875.

There were 25 candidates who filed their reports late and have not paid their fines. Assemblywoman Vonne Chowning, D-North Las Vegas, owes $525. Chowning was 14 days late in submitting her report. Assemblyman Morse Arberry, D-Las Vegas, was fined $25 for being one day late.

The second report on campaign expenses and contributions is due Oct. 29.