School Comm Candidates Respond to Finance Report Questions

School Committee Candidates - Responses - Campaign Finance Reports

On Monday, March 22, 2021, the Campaign Finance Reports for each the 3 School Committee candidates was posted on the Town of Medfield, Town Clerk website and were also posted on the Medfield PATCH the following day.

The link to each ORIGINAL Finance Report is shown below each of the candidate's replies.

These reports were shared on some of the local social media sites and some residents noticed a few errors, omissions and oversights on these reports and much discussion ensued. In light of this issue, PATCH reached out to each of the 3 candidates requesting that they explain if any errors did appear on their report, if they have or plan to file an amended Finance Report and requested they respond to a few other questions.

The following 3 candidate responses are posted in the order they were received by PATCH.

Candidate, Leo Brehm

Reply submitted by Leo Brehm's Campaign Treasurer

The initial paperwork did not include addresses, Leo's signature or the occupation of the one donor exceeding $250 (Brian Russell). Additionally, the information was not in alphabetical order. Leo received donations from 4 non Medfield residents. Leo did not receive any illegal donations. Once I became aware of the errors, the paperwork was corrected and re-submitted to the Town Clerk at 9:16AM on March 25, 2021. I know you can get those forms, but I have attached them here. Once the election is over, I will be submitting the final CPF M102 forms.

ORIGINAL Finance Report Submitted - Leo Brehm

Candidate, Robert Worth

Reply submitted by Robert Worth

To the best of my knowledge, the only incorrect information on my Campaign Finance Report is that I made the mistake of not listing myself as a donor to my own campaign. Since I did not accept any contributions from friends, family, and supporters, I did not think that I was required to report my own personal expense of $323.78 (for lawn signs) as a contribution to my own campaign. My understanding was that I could use up to $1000.00 of my own money for my campaign and that only outside contributions must be reported in detail. I will submit a corrected Campaign Finance Report to the Medfield Town Clerk.

I believe that school committee members should support school budgets that responsibly spend the money of Medfield's taxpayers. As a candidate for a position on the Medfield School Committee, I attempted to model this responsible spending approach in my campaign by spending just $323.78.

ORIGINAL Finance Report Submitted - Robert Worth

Candidate, Lauren Liljegren

Reply submitted by Lauren Liljegren

I am proud to be running for Medfield’s School Committee and I have worked hard on my campaign. As a candidate running against an incumbent, I am at a disadvantage. My husband and I contributed $800 to the campaign, however, we agreed more was needed to communicate with all voters. Fundraising is important. I am so grateful to all those who have helped me, by contributing financially or otherwise. If elected, I will work just as hard to accomplish the business of the district.

My effort, and the results, are an example of what you can expect, should you elect me to serve on your School Committee. I respectfully ask for your vote on March 29th.

• Were there omissions of addresses re your contributors?
  • No.
• Were there omissions of "occupation/employers" re your contributors?
  • No.
• Were there incorrect addresses re your contributors?
  • My initial submission included a few typos, since amended.
• Were there incorrect "occupation/employers" listed re your contributors?
  • No.
• Did you confirm all donor information/addresses prior to completing the forms?
  • My initial submission included a few typos in the address field, since amended.
• Did you receive contributions from non-Medfield residents/voters?
  • Yes. I received a total of $175 in contributions from friends and family who do not live in Medfield, but believe in my efforts. This is a testament to how truly critical public school is.
• Were there any illegal contributions made?
  • No.
• Do you plan to amend your finance report and send it to the Town Clerk prior to the election on Monday 3/29/21?
  • I have provided an updated form to the town clerk
  ORIGINAL Finance Report Submitted - Lauren Liljegren