Election complaint names Maumee group

10/29/2003

A formal complaint against Citizens for Maumee's Future, a group campaigning to get residents to vote no on Issue 17, was filed with the Lucas County Board of Elections yesterday.

Citizens for Retail Development Controls, a political action committee formed by Stop the Mall, alleges in its complaint that Citizens for Maumee's Future failed to file a pre-election financial report with the board of elections.

According to the complaint filed by Brian Tomko, the PAC's deputy treasurer, Citizens for Maumee's Future received and/or spent more than $1,000 before Oct. 15 for the campaign, including mailings and yard signs.

Michael Robarge, president of the Maumee Chamber of Commerce, is treasurer of the group. He could not be reached for comment.

If approved by voters Tuesday, Issue 17 would place controls on big-box stores. Maumee residents concerned about the impact of large-scale retail development on the community gathered more than 800 signatures on petitions to get the issue on the ballot.

Citizens for Retail Development Controls is campaigning in support of Issue 17.

Maumee City Council members, who oppose Issue 17, contend that the proposed controls on development could have a negative impact on the city, including Arrowhead Park.

Paula Hicks-Hudson, deputy director of the board of elections, said the complaint will be reviewed. The board could take action to refer the complaint to the Ohio Elections Commission, she said.