Late filing may bring an inquiry for Dean

Columbia County Commissioner Scott Dean might face a state Ethics Commission reprimand for waiting too long to submit his most recent campaign disclosure form.

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The disclosure forms, which detail candidates' political donations and expenditures, had to be postmarked by Oct. 7 to meet a state deadline.

Dean submitted his forms in person to the county Board of Elections office on Thursday, a week late, said Board of Elections Director Debbie Marshall.

As a result, Marshall said, she had to report Dean's tardiness to the Ethics Commission, which investigates potentially unethical or illegal practices of Georgia politicians.

Dean's disclosure form doesn't show any unusual collecting or spending. He raised $8,000 during the most recent reporting period to add to his campaign war chest of about $34,000.

The largest contributor to Dean's campaign was state Rep. Ben Harbin, whose election committee gave the commissioner $2,400. He also received $1,000 donations from Magnolia Gardens and Windmill Plantation.

The largest listed expense was a $2,000 donation to The Committee to Elect Mike Sleeper, Dean's campaign manager and a school board member running unopposed for re-election.

Dean spent most of his money on advertising, campaign supplies and consulting services. He also spent more than $1,300 on catering services from Red Oak Manor, a Harlem-based inn and restaurant Dean owns with his wife.

The District 4 incumbent defeated David Payne in the July Republican Primary election to retain his seat. He faces no opposition in the Nov. 2 general election.