If you recall the Redfield school bond election flyer story that you read about here at Dakotawarcollege…
I’m hearing that Redfield residents were treated to a flyer in their mailboxes recently which cajoled them to support the construction of a new school in their community. And while you have the normal divisions that come up in those types of elections, apparently the source of the this recent mailing has some people up in arms.
and…
Take note of the return address printed on the back of the flyer. And yes, you can confirm at the City of Redfield’s web site, that is the actual address of the City’s office of Parks and Recreation.
If you go to it, one thing you might notice about the city web site is that it notes the name of the City’s director of Parks & Rec as Heidi Appel. Why is this important? Because if you go to the web site of the group “Citizens for the Future of Education” a group promoting the construction of a new school in Redfield, it also appears to have the involvement of a Heidi Appel of Redfield.
Read the entire story here at dakotawarcollege.com.
Heidi personally sent me a note yesterday, and wanted to provide her side of the story, which we’re happy to reprint:
I first want to tell you that I often read your blog as I love the inside scoop and learning from every angle. However, I have never been on this side of one of your blog posts and I am not entirely sure how to handle it. So I will do the only thing I know how to do, be honest.
I fully acknowledge the proofreading mistake that I made. However, I can show you the label proof, the invoice and the credit card slip associated with this mailing. I have not attached them to this email but I am willing to do so if you are truly wanting to inform the public. This was an honest, I am in a hurry and involved in too many things mistake. I took this task on as a favor to the group. I had done many mailings before, and believe it or not, I used to work at QQP. I have done mailings from the other side. I surely knew to clarify, clarify, and clarify all details again.
I have apologized to the group in which I was representing. I will be looking into whether I have broken any south Dakota campaign law. Just because it was not my intent does not mean that I will not hold myself personally responsible for this error.
A notation of the error was also made on the facebook page of the organization.
WOW!
A public employee stepping up.
How refreshing.
–I can show you the label proof, the invoice and the credit card slip associated with this mailing.
It all should be disclosed simply to clear the air.
If the following state law regarding campaign materials had been followed, this story would have never happened.
12-27-15. Printed political communications to contain certain language–Exceptions–Violation as misdemeanor. Any printed material or communication made, purchased, paid for, or authorized by a candidate, political committee, or political party which expressly advocates for or against a candidate, public office holder, ballot question, or political party shall prominently display or clearly speak the statement: “Paid for by (Name of candidate, political committee, or political party).” This section does not apply to buttons, balloons, pins, pens, matchbooks, clothing, or similar small items upon which the inclusion of the statement would be impracticable. A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Perhaps this serves as a reminder to all this upcoming election season. When proofing, this should be towards the top of the list of things to get right.