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A candidate running for Huber Heights City Council this November has filed an official complaint against his opponent, alleging unethical and illegal conduct related to campaign material.
Huber Heights resident Richard Shaw filed the complaint last week against Ward 1 incumbent and Vice Mayor Lu Dale, who apologized for what she called an “oversight.”
Shaw claims Dale participated in “unethical conduct and campaign violations relating to campaign material being distributed to residents of Huber Heights, Ohio. The material in question is paid for using taxpayer funds and provided by the City for ‘Official use only,’” the complaint states.
According to the complaint, Dale’s city business card was distributed on the afternoon of Aug. 30, at approximately 3:30 p.m., to homes in the area of Rustic Woods Drive. Written on the card was, “Sorry I missed you! I need your vote on Nov. 3rd please.”
Shaw said he was notified by several Ward 1 residents who received Dale’s business card with the handwritten note.
“Ethically, it shouldn’t be done, using taxpayer money to campaign, and in no way can she report that,” Shaw said. “Regardless of how small it is, it is unethical and illegal. That’s where the awareness has to come out.”
Dale, who was elected in 2011, said it won’t happen again.
“I take full responsibility for the oversight and it will be corrected immediately,” Dale said. “I made a mistake.”
The complaint was sent to Mayor Tom McMasters, the Ohio Ethics Commission, the Montgomery County Board of Elections, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted.
McMasters said Tuesday he had not yet looked at the complaint.
“I’m not prepared to make a comment, other than I will evaluate it and decide if any action is required or warranted as it relates to the City,” McMasters said in an email.
The complaint also was signed by Troy Cultice, one of the residents who received Dale’s business card.
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