Mr. Van de Hoek’s attempt to blame the city staff for his recent fine by the state Fair Political Practices Commission is disturbing for many reasons. Mr. Van de Hoek was fined not for a “technicality,” but because he deliberately and willfully failed to file the required campaign finance reports in the last election.
The FPPC, as its name states, exists for one reason, to ensure fair elections and full disclosure of campaign finance. I was the treasurer for Harry Barovsky, and I am the treasurer for the campaign committees of both Sharon Barovsky and Joan House, and on their instructions we have been absolutely scrupulous in complying with the law and the FPPC requirements, no matter how burdensome or bureaucratic they may be at times.
Mr. Van de Hoek’s arrest record and this recent incident show that he believes he only has to obey the laws he agrees with.
Edward Lipnick