Political Notes: New campaign finance law adds hundreds to depository system
BOSTON — New campaign finance legislation affecting House and Senate candidates was signed into law by Gov. Charlie Baker last week.
Massachusetts is now the first state in the nation to require independent third-party disclosure of campaign finance activity by candidates. The process, called the depository system, requires banks to file monthly disclosure reports, ensuring accuracy and frequent public disclosure of activity.
According to the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance, in the depository system, candidates file reports that identify contributors, while banks file reports that itemize expenditures and provide a summary of receipts for the month. OCPF then reconciles the reports and posts them on its website.
The new legislation adds nearly 500 House and Senate candidates to the depository system, as well as approximately 100 mayoral candidates in the state’s smaller cities. Previously, these candidates itemized all receipts and expenditures on campaign finance reports without third-party verification, which could be subject to human error and inaccuracies.
The depository system already had been in use by candidates for statewide office, mayoral and city council candidates in larger cities (population of 65,000 or more), county candidates and political action committees.
“This new law brings legislators and other elected officials into compliance with the same biweekly campaign finance reporting requirements that candidates for governor and other statewide offices currently use,” said state Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Truro. “This change to campaign finance reporting requirements is a meaningful victory for transparency and will allow citizens and the media to scrutinize the fundraising and spending of elected officials — myself included — in near real time.”
A training session on the new depository system is scheduled for 1 p.m. Dec. 11 at Barnstable Town Hall, 367 Main St., Hyannis.
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Yarmouth Deputy Police Chief Steven Xiarhos retires from the force Dec. 8 after 40 years, and it appears his sights continue to be set on the Statehouse.
Xiarhos confirmed in late summer that he is considering a run as a Republican for the 5th Barnstable District House of Representatives seat being vacated by state Rep. Randy Hunt, R-Sandwich.
While a formal campaign launch date has not yet been announced, the Committee to Elect Steven Xiarhos hosts a holiday party and toy drive at 5 p.m. Monday at Tomatoes Italian Bar and Grille, Route 130, Sandwich.
Donations will be accepted at the door and attendees are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for donation to the Cape Cod Military Support Foundation’s Toy Drive.
The 5th Barnstable District comprises Sandwich, two precincts in Barnstable, three precincts in Bourne and one precinct in Plymouth.
Republican Thomas Keyes and Democrat James Dever, both of Sandwich, already have announced candidacies for the seat.
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Jay McMahon, a Republican candidate for the Plymouth & Barnstable District state Senate seat formerly held by Viriato “Vinny” deMacedo, R-Plymouth, hosts a Christmas party from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 12 at “The Garage,” 15 Wareham St., Middleboro.
Suggested donations range from $50 to $1,000.
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The Cape Cod Grandmothers Against Gun Violence group holds its seventh annual National Vigil of Remembrance for Victims of Gun Violence at 5 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Federated Church of Hyannis, 320 Main St.
The public is invited to attend. Guest speakers include Ruth Zakarin, executive director of the Massachusetts Coalition to End Gun Violence and Tristan Grieve, state director of March for Our Lives.
For additional information, contact Kate Epperly at drkateepperly@gmail.com.
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The Falmouth Democratic Town Committee hosts its annual holiday potluck party from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 11 at Dillingham Place, 110 Dillingham Ave. Attendees are asked to bring an hors d’oeuvre, salad or dessert. Wine and beer will be provided.
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Here’s what some local elected officials were tweeting about during the past week:
State Rep. Dylan Fernandes (@RepDylan), D-Woods Hole, on Nov. 29:
“The holiday season on Nantucket may just be the best season on island. Counting down the tree lighting w @JulianCyr”
State Rep. William Crocker (@WillCrockerJR), R-Centerville, on Nov. 28:
“Thanks to all of those working this Thanksgiving Day! We appreciate you!”
Barnstable County Sheriff (@SheriffCummings) on Dec. 2:
“No shave November” has concluded with the Sheriff’s Office raising over $5,000 to support Home Base’s mission which helps veterans heal from invisible wounds such as post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries”
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