The Starke County Election Board will hold a hearing to take public testimony over written complaints filed concerning the alleged omission of a disclaimer on political advertisements.
Four written complaints were filed with the Starke County Clerk’s Office pointing to the alleged omission of a disclaimer on mailings to residents that promotes the campaign of Debbie Wappel as a candidate for Starke County Commissioner in District 3.
Clerk and Board Member Bernadette Manuel said that a meeting held Friday, May 3 was simply for the board to determine if there was enough evidence to hold a hearing. The board did not take public comment during the meeting but determined, by unanimous vote, that a hearing would be scheduled to hear evidence and take public comment on the matter.
The residents who filed complaints, Therese Pugh, David Sinn, Justin Risner, and Margaret and Mark Barlog, will be notified by certified mail about the board’s determination, as well as Debbie Wappel.
Manuel noted that the hearing will be held after the election in order to give proper notice. The hearing will be set five days from the day when the Clerk’s Office is notified that all parties received notice by certified mail. The hearing will be advertised when set.
It will be during the hearing where the public will make comments on the matter. During the hearing, the board will make a determination on if a violation occurred and if a fine will be imposed.
