The State Republican Party is moving "swiftly" to file late public financial disclosure statements - one of which is almost a year overdue - and has asked the Federal Election Commission to accept a $1,500 check in lieu of a $3,100 fine.
Bruce Hough, current state GOP chairman, said Wednesday that when his administration learned three weeks ago that a November 1990 financial report had never been filed with the lieutenant governor's office, "we responded immediately that it would be taken care of."The report, and another report due on Dec. 5, 1990, but not filed, were the responsibility of the former GOP treasurer, Mike Jones. Jones didn't return a Deseret News telephone call. Both reports will be filed within days, Hough said.
"I can't say why the reports weren't filed," said Hough. Former state GOP chairman Richard Snelgrove said he doesn't recall being informed that the reports weren't filed in a timely manner. "That was Mike's responsibility," Snelgrove said.
Several quarterly FEC reports due during the Snelgrove administration also weren't filed as required, said Hough. The FEC recently fined the state party $3,100. "We've sent them a check for $1,500. We hope they accept it. There were extenuating circumstances," Hough, who was elected chairman in June, said.
Several years ago, the FEC fined the Utah Republican Party $10,000 for inappropriately giving money in 1986 to the campaign of Republican 2nd Congressional District candidate Tom Shimizu. The party took out a bank loan to pay that fine, the debt just being retired this year.
"I assure you, my administration will have yearly financial audits," said Hough, "something that apparently wasn't done before. Our party treasurer, Dan James, is a certified public accountant. Our assistant treasurer is a CPA. All adequate financial controls will be in place, and we will have fiscal responsibility."
Failure to file party financial disclosure statements with the lieutenant governor's office in a timely manner is a misdemeanor. Deputy Lt. Gov. Dave Hansen reported the party's misdeed to Salt Lake County Attorney Dave Yocom. Yocom said he'd look into the matter but added that usually the delinquent individuals comply with the requirement before any action is taken.
The Republicans weren't the only guilty party. The state Democratic Party also failed to file its Dec. 5, 1990, report on time. Democrats filed that report Aug. 16, 1991, after being again notified by the lieutenant governor's office.