A recent article posted on FB announced a citizen complaint to the Ohio Ethics Commission regarding an anonymously submitted (not signed) finance report of the anti-levy campaign that also failed to identify certain donors, as required by law.
The article further informed that the Wood County Board of Elections (WCBoE) had voted unanimously to request the Ohio Ethics Commission to investigate this same campaign’s anonymous submission and failure to disclose the names of those donors who exceed the dollar amount permitted to be anonymous. As expected, the notorious face of the anti-levy group, Grant Chamberlain, immediately posted a collection of inflammatory comments, wild and defamatory accusations and erroneous claims of unethical conduct.
Drained of any ability to further endure this seemingly endless and bitter attack on respected and reputable members of our community, I was determined to do my own research and to discover the truth for myself. For those of you willing to read further, let me set the record straight.
Mr. Chamberlain stated that Andy Newlove (and his parents) and Roger Mazzarella helped each other to “investigate the opposition” and write the citizen complaint. I’ve known Roger for more than 25 years. He has earned his reputation for being informed and straight forward. A well-educated and articulate man, he needs no assistance nor direction in addressing his concerns.
Mr. Chamberlain stated that Andy Newlove’s appointment to the WCBoE was unethical and the timing of his appointment while treasurer of several PACS and campaigns was illegal. First and foremost, it is not illegal serve on the WCBoE and participate in the political process, including service as treasurer for any campaign or PAC. I agree that it’s not a good look; however, it’s not illegal. Regardless, that’s not how the appointment occurred.
October 3 – Andy Newlove was selected by the Wood County Democrats to replace his father, Dick Newlove, on the WCBoE. The WCBoE has two representatives from each of the two major parties, the Republicans and Democrats, on the Board. The WCBoE was subsequently notified of his selection and they in turn notified the Ohio Secretary of State (OSoS) and requested that his appointment be approved. The OSoS began a background check and requested documentation.
October 21 – The OSoS notified WCBoE and Andy Newlove that the background check was completed and Mr. Newlove would be approved to serve. More documentation was required and was subsequently submitted to complete the appointment.
October 23 – Mr. Newlove completed the financial reports for all campaigns and PACS of which he was Treasurer and he resigned as Treasurer. In particular, Mr. Newlove transferred the Treasurer responsibilities for the One Community One School PAC to Tari Christoff.
October 24 – Mr. Newlove took the Oath of Office to serve on the WCBoE.
November 5 (Election Night) – Mr. Newlove attended and participated in his first meeting as a member of the WCBoE.
Mr. Chamberlain also stated that the Ohio “Secretary of State has a full report with the public records to display the new BoE members ethics violations.”
January 22 – OSoS Frank LaRose tweeted about the WCBoE’s “unanimous decision to refer an individual submitting anonymous campaign finance reports to the Ohio Ethics Commission.” He applauded this “swift action to enforce the law in favor of transparency.”
January 23 – I spoke on the telephone with several OSoS staff members, including Dave Ward in the constituent services division. There is no report of unethical conduct by new (or any) members of the WCBoE. Furthermore, the OSoS does not conduct such investigations as those matters are referred to the Ohio Ethics Commission. The OSoS is not aware of any unethical conduct and did not make such a referral to the Ohio Ethics Commission.
When confronted with these facts, it is my sincere hope that Grant Chamberlain will reflect upon his obvious obsession with conspiracy theories, misinformation and distraction, as well as his disdain for all people and things associated with the Bowling Green City School District. While he’s certainly able to disagree and to voice his disagreement, his cantankerous opinions are exceptionally inflammatory and defamatory. I, for one, won’t let him go unchecked.
Melanie Stretchbery
Bowling Green
