{"id":8159,"date":"2023-05-04T14:17:54","date_gmt":"2023-05-04T14:17:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/?p=8159"},"modified":"2023-05-04T14:17:54","modified_gmt":"2023-05-04T14:17:54","slug":"corrections-to-perrymans-article","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/2023\/05\/04\/corrections-to-perrymans-article\/","title":{"rendered":"Corrections to Perryman\u2019s Article"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Michael Ashford<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By: Former Chairman of the Lucas County Democratic party<\/strong><\/em>
\nMichael Ashford<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

This letter is a response to Rev. Donald Perryman\u2019s article \u201cAshford Out as Party Chair?\u201d (March 14, 2023).<\/p>\n

The Chairman of the Lucas County Democratic Party (LCDP) is a \u201cVOLUNTEER\u201d position.\u00a0 I was Chairman of LCDP from June 2020 to March 2023.\u00a0 The pandemic (COVID-19) was ravaging the country, over seven million small businesses closed, and families were losing loved-ones.\u00a0 Philanthropy donations and political donations to local political parties came to a crashing halt.\u00a0 In the middle of this chaos, there was a President, Senate, 9th<\/sup> District Congressional and other key County, and local races.\u00a0 The leadership team started to rebuild the party.\u00a0 Through collective efforts by many, the party was able to raise money to pay for operations (utilities, insurance, payroll, etc.), win key political seats and invest in candidates.<\/p>\n

I would like to address Perryman\u2019s comments and provide accurate information on the following specific issues:<\/p>\n

FINANCIAL ISSUES<\/strong><\/p>\n

The article stated, \u201cmoney spent illegally.\u201d\u00a0 The LCDP financial system has multiple processes in place to ensure transparency and accountability.\u00a0 LCDP follows accounting guidelines to provide clarity, consistency, and the communication of financial information.\u00a0 We implemented a check and balance to record, document and deposit all revenue.\u00a0 Ninety-nine percent (99%) of the donations are checks and online donations that are received through a system known as ACT-BLUE.\u00a0 The checks are recorded and documented by the Office Manager and deposits are reviewed by the Office Manager, Treasurer, and Chairman.\u00a0 Seventy percent (70%) of expenses (bills) were paid on-line by the Office Manager.\u00a0 Other expenses (bills) that are not paid online are paid by written checks that require TWO (2) signatures.<\/p>\n

MISAPPROPRIATION<\/strong><\/p>\n

Your article mentioned \u201cmisappropriation of funds.\u201d\u00a0 LCDP has a financial systematic design to deter any \u201cmisappropriations.\u201d\u00a0 The first step is that the Office Manager documents and deposits all funds.\u00a0 The second step is that the Treasurer reviews all revenue, deposits, and online donations. The third step is that the monthly budget is prepared by the Treasurer with assistance from the Office Manager and the Chairman.\u00a0 There are three (3) independent steps to account for all revenue.\u00a0 Financial statements are presented to the full body of the Executive Committee that details all revenue (incoming money) and expenses (bills) for that reporting period and is submitted for approval by the executive committee monthly. <\/strong><\/p>\n

BUILDING<\/strong><\/p>\n

There have been NO improvements or investments in the building in over 30 years.\u00a0 There is a silver-lining in every cloud. This past winter, the water lines froze and burst. We filed an insurance claim, which will hopefully bring attention to the new leadership and body of all the upgrades and renovations that are needed for the building, this will address any possible asbestos issues.<\/p>\n

RECORD<\/strong><\/p>\n

There was a tremendous amount of growth and success.\u00a0 I want to share a few highlights.<\/p>\n