LAKE GENEVA — A newsletter from Geneva Lake Development Corp. might have violated campaign finance laws because it encouraged people to vote in favor of a referendum without the required disclaimer, according to the state Government Accountability Board.
Lake Geneva voters in April will decide whether to extend Edwards Boulevard north of Target.
The four-page newsletter was sent early last week to about 3,700 residents and businesses in Lake Geneva, said Joe Cardiff, executive director of Geneva Lake Development.
State law requires groups that spend more than $25 advocating a yes or no vote on a referendum to register. Because it’s a city referendum, Geneva Lake Development is required to register with the city clerk.
Communication by a registered group requires the statement: “Paid for by” the name of the group and the group treasurer.
City Clerk Diana Dykstra said Geneva Lake Development has not registered.
Cardiff said Geneva Lake Development didn’t register because the group has “never done that” for its newsletter. The group has issued a newsletter annually since 1995.
“Only a portion of it deals with the referendum,” he said. “The balance is other things.
“Our contention at this point is that the money was spent to disseminate the newsletter, and this just happened to be a part of it.”
Cardiff said Geneva Lake Development doesn’t plan to register because the group isn’t “going to do anything further.”
Dennis Morvak of the Government Accountability Board said it’s up to the district attorney to investigate a complaint about the mailing and determine penalties. Walworth County District Attorney Phil Koss said no one has filed a complaint.
The referendum calls for an extension of Edwards Boulevard from Highway 50 to Sheridan Springs Road, north of the new Target store.
The issue is being put to referendum as the result of direct legislation in 2006 requiring city capital projects that cost more than $1.05 million to be put before voters for approval.
The question will appear on the ballot April 1.