Foundation for Transparency in Government
There seems to be a lot of confusion, doubt and mistrust from the public regarding the compliance of this group, fueled by articles in the Eagle-Tribune. Keith Eddings insists that they should have a bank account and report on contributions and expenditures just like a Political Action Committee (PAC) but I cannot find any evidence that the Massachusetts General Laws even provide for such organization.
I asked Attorney Louis Farrah who is helping the group to give me his definition as to why he believes they don’t have to abide by that. First of all, they are not a PAC. They are not supporting a candidate and the law does not mention the kind of activity they are performing.
“My response to the Eagle-Tribune article is that there is nothing in M.G.L.c 55 which addresses ‘recalls’ or requires those voters who seek to remove an elected official through a ‘recall’ to form a ‘political action committee’. The very heading of M.G.L. c. 55 gives some insight to the Legislative intent, entitling that law as Disclosure And Regulation Of Campaign Expenditures and Contributions. I can only assume that had the legislature intended to include an individual or group seeking the ‘recall’ of an official they would have included it Chapter 55.”
Chapter 55 is very specific when it comes to reporting contributions and expenditures citing in Section 18E Legal Defense, Inaugural and Recount Funds. Since this is not a PAC and recalls are not covered within the law, I have to agree with Attorney Farrah.
