Founder Says Farmington Citizens United Will Complete Election Filing

A group that has distributed materials opposing an Aug. 6 Farmington Public Schools bond referendum will file its missing Statement of Organization and pay late fees, founder Kerry Jackson said Tuesday. 

Bond advocates have questioned Farmington Citizen United's failure to file the appropriate elections paperwork, after a postcard and automated calls sharing information about the $222 million bond surfaced several weeks ago. 

According to an online manual for bond question committees published by the State of Michigan, "As soon as an organization or group of persons receives $500.00 in contributions or makes independent expenditures totaling $500.00 in a calendar year to influence voters for or against the qualification, passage or defeat of one or more ballot questions in Michigan, the organization or group of persons has 10 calendar days to form and register a Ballot Question Committee."

Jackson said he personally paid for the mailer and calls and didn't realize he needed to submit paperwork, since he was using his personal funds. He said he has spoken with elections officials. 

Farmington Citizens United was not formed as a bond opposition committee, Jackson said. The intent of the group is to hold informational meetings on a number of issues, with speakers sharing viewpoints from both sides.