Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Candidate Accusing Opponent of Using Taxpayer Money for Campaign Materials

Schuylkill County Register of Wills candidate Kerry Ansbach is accusing his incumbent opponent in the primary election of using taxpayer money for campaign materials.
On Monday, Ansbach sent a letter to Schuylkill County District Attorney Christine Holman asking for her office to investigate the "possible theft of services in the Schuylkill County Register of Wills Office".

The letter stated
As a candidate for this office, I attended a meet and greet forum in McAdoo on Thursday, April 30, 2015 hosted by the local Republican organization. Our current Register of Wills, Theresa Santai Gaffney was also in attendance. There was no doubt this was a political event. As Mrs. Gaffney campaigned throughout the crowd, she distributed a handout that did not have any type of "paid for" disclaimer on it. Upon reviewing it, the pamphlet appeared to be something that she would use in her official capacity and should not be used for political purposes. I am deeply concerned that this handout was produced in Mrs. Gaffney's office in the courthouse and was paid for by Schuylkill County taxpayers.
** Photo of the pamphlet are at the bottom of this article.

Gaffney told WNEP that “This is a political ploy by my opponent and my conscience is clear,”

Gaffney also said that she always hands out those pamphlets at any event she attends.
“This is strictly for educational purposes. Wherever I go, I have these in my vehicle. We have a table at the county fair, when I give my tours, when I speak anywhere,” said Gaffney.
Schuylkill County District Attorney Holman responded Monday to Ansbach's request with a letter that she sent his complaint to the State's Attorney Generals office due to a conflict of interest and that she was also at the event mentioned.



Link to WNEP

Video of WNEP's story