Norwood News

Though she’s yet to file financial disclosure forms with the Campaign Finance Board, Council Member Maria Baez confirmed to the Norwood News that she is indeed running for a third term in the 14th District, which is now crowded with candidates who want her seat.

Observers were left wondering whether Baez was running for a third term when she neglected to file mandatory financial reports with the Campaign Finance Board by the Jan. 15 deadline. The reports, which are required by law from every candidate, include campaign finances from July 12, 2008 to Jan. 11, 2009, and are reviewed by the Campaign Finance Board to determine if candidates are eligible to receive 6 to 1 matching funds. The reports are required even if candidates are not interested in funding.

When asked if she would file, Baez said, “Of course. I can’t do it alone,” referring to the public funding provided by the Campaign Finance Board. Baez did not say when she plans to file.

Eric Friedman, a spokesman for the Campaign Finance Board, wouldn’t comment on Baez’s case, but did say candidates who neglect to file by the Jan. 15 deadline face penalties ranging from $25 to several hundred dollars for every day after the deadline passes. In addition, Friedman said the board would not provide funds to candidates who miss the deadline.

Baez came under heavy media scrutiny in 2008 for having the worst attendance record in the entire City Council, a 2007 cell phone bill that totaled $17,765 and her support of a pro-landlord bill in a district filled with renters.

Baez did file financial reports with the Board of Elections — also required for every candidate — that indicate her campaign raised $15,740 in 2008, and $69,214.51 over the past three years.
“Disclosure is a very important part of the process to provide the public with a view into the candidate’s finances,” said Friedman. “If they fail to provide that transparency, there are consequences.” The next deadline is March 15.

Baez faces competition from several other candidates, including Yudelka Tapia, a community activist and city auditor; Fernando Cabrera, a pastor and Mercy College professor; and Yesenia Polanco, the former chief of staff for Council Member Annabel Palma.

“It’s time for new leadership,” Cabrera said. “[Baez] has the worst attendance record. I have yet to hear anything positive about her [from the community]. She’s going to run because she has nothing to lose.”

Baez admitted missing meetings last year, but explained that responsibilities to seven committees, as well as an ongoing illness, affected her attendance record.

With regard to re-election, Baez said, “It’s the community’s decision and whatever the decision is, I will respect it.”