For more information, contact:
David E. Freel, Executive Director
(614) 370-2300

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE FILING DEADLINE FOR CANDIDATES EXTENDED

At its meeting today, the Ohio Ethics Commission extended the filing deadline for candidates in the May primary election.  The Commission extended the deadline, which would normally have been Monday, April 6, 2009, to Wednesday, April 15, 2009.

The Commission took this action because the Atlas Building, where the Commission’s office is located, is closed due to an electrical fire on Friday, April 3.  Until the building has been declared safe, no tenants are permitted to work from the building.  Telephone service is also unavailable.  The Commission staff is continuing to cover critical operations from an alternate location but is unable to accept disclosure statements.  Filers are reminded that statements can be mailed provided they are post-marked on or before April 15, 2009.

“For candidates, the Commission’s action means that statements will be considered filed on time provided that they are received by the Commission, or post-marked, on or before Wednesday the 15^th,” said Executive Director David E. Freel.

The deadline for other filers remains April 15, 2009.

To contact the Commission while the Atlas Building is closed, please send an e-mail to ethics@ethics.ohio.gov.  Filers with questions about the disclosure requirements or filing deadline can e-mail questions to the Commission at the following e-mail addresses: Jennifer.hardin@ethics.ohio.gov or Karen.king@ethics.ohio.gov.  Any other questions can be directed to the Executive Director or david.freel@ethics.ohio.gov.

Ohio was one of the first states to create an Ethics Commission more than 35 years ago, upon the enactment of the Ohio Ethics Law in 1973. The Commission independently applies and administers the Ethics Law on behalf of the public for most state and local public officials and employees outside of those serving in the legislature and judiciary. 

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