This chapter shall be known as the "Campaign Reform Act of 1997."
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
CANDIDATE
Any person seeking election to any County position, as defined by
the New York State Election Law, within the County of Rockland, including
any political committee formed for the sole purpose of electing one or more
candidates, as defined herein.
DONATION
The transfer, to a candidate, of any tangible or intangible property, including but not limited to cash, check, money order, ticket or admission to social, artistic or sporting event, use of office space, equipment or postage, whether temporary or permanent, and any other real or personal property for the purpose of obtaining election to any position as defined in §
223-2 of this chapter.
ELECTION
The calendar year in which any primary, general or special election
takes place.
ELIGIBLE VOTERS
Those persons eligible to vote in a specific election, as defined
by the Rockland County Board of Elections.
INDIVIDUAL, CORPORATION, LOBBYIST OR OTHER ENTITY DOING BUSINESS WITH
THE COUNTY
Includes those individuals or organizations appearing on the County's
vendor's list or contract agencies list; or those who are acting as contractor
or supplier for which role they are paid County funds; or unions dealing with
the County or its agencies. However, this definition shall specifically exclude
individual employees and their immediate family who are not beneficial owners
of more than 10% of a corporation or other entity doing business with the
County, employees of local governments and individual members of any union,
if employment or membership is their only business relationship with the County.
LOBBYIST
Any individual who, for remuneration of any kind, influences or attempts
to influence any County official. Any such lobbyist shall register, on a form
provided by the Clerk to the Legislature, as such lobbyist for any calendar
year in which said lobbyist performs such lobbying service for remuneration
of any kind.
SPEND
Transfer any tangible or intangible property, including but not limited to cash, check, money order, ticket or admission to social, artistic or sporting event, use of office space, equipment or postage, whether temporary or permanent, or any other real or personal property for the purpose of obtaining election to any position, as defined in §
223-2 of this chapter.
[Amended 10-21-1997 by L.L. No. 21-1997]
Violation of this chapter shall be punishable, for the first offense,
by a fine of not less than $250 or three times the amount illegally contributed,
whichever is greater, and each subsequent violation shall be punishable by
a fine not less than $500 or four times the amount illegally contributed,
whichever is greater, to be enforced through a civil procedure by the County
Attorney.
[Added 10-21-1997 by L.L. No. 21-1997]
Any complaints of alleged violations of this chapter may be made to
the Rockland County Board of Elections, which shall notify the County Executive
and the Chairman of the County Legislature when it has received a complaint
of alleged violation of this chapter. The Board of Elections shall then proceed
to investigate whether in fact this chapter has been violated and shall make
a determination. If the Board of Elections determines that this chapter has
been violated, the person or committee who allegedly violated this chapter
shall be given 15 days, after notice by the Board of Elections, to return
the money or correct the violation. If said party fails to do so within 15
days, after notice by the Board of Elections, the matter shall be referred
to the County Attorney's office for enforcement of a civil proceeding
to collect an appropriate civil penalty, which will be payable to the County
of Rockland.