For and against groups on income tax raise nearly $11K for campaigns

Opponents and proponents of the 1.5 percent earned income tax on Tuesday’s ballot have raised nearly $11,000 for their respective campaigns.

Ohio Campaign Finance Reports filed last week show the Committee for Tax Equity raised $6,300 for its campaign for the tax. Tax Busters PAC, which failed to file by the required deadline, raised $4,518.22 to oppose the tax.

“It’s entirely my fault,’ said David Brown, Tax Busters treasurer. Brown said he miscalculated the deadline.

Of the $4,500 raised by the political action committee nearly half — $2,000 — came from Flo Thompson, president of Tax Busters, and Ron Brandon, who lives at the same address as Thompson. Also contributing $1,000 was Frances and Iris James.

The PAC received two contributions from people living outside of the city: $250 from Bruce Hull of Xenia and $100 Barry and Joy James of Spring Valley. The remainder of the contributions came from 15 contributors of $100 or less.

The tax equity group received $2,500 from council members and city staff, all acting as private citizens. Mayor Vicki Giambrone, Vice Mayor Jerry Petrak, council member Brian Jarvis, City Manager Mike Cornell, and City Attorney Steve McHugh each donated $500. Police Chief Dennis Evers gave $250 and four other city employees chipped in $200 total.

Three labor groups contributed $3,350 to the committee: Beavercreek FOP Lodge 160 $1,850, CWA Local 4322 $1,000 and Education Committee Account District 4 $500.

Council member Scott Hadley made an in-kind contribution to the committee worth $500 in printing costs.

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