Downey mayor fined by FPPC

DOWNEY − The California commission responsible for regulating campaign fundraising and spending announced last Thursday it plans to fine the 2012 campaign committee of Downey Mayor Luis Marquez after it failed to pay a mandatory fee in 2013. 

According to the Fair Political Practices Commission,  the "Luis Marquez for Downey City Council 2012" committee must now pay a fine of $200 for neglecting to cover the $50 annual fee that was required in 2013 by the California secretary of state's office. 

Three years ago, Marquez, who was first elected to the Downey City Council in 2008, gave up his District 5 (city-wide) seat to run in District 1 where he narrowly won reelection.

Marquez acknowledged on Wednesday that the $50 fee was overlooked by his campaign, but maintained that no legal violation took place. 

"It was an oversight by the campaign, but we'll take care of it," Marquez said. "That committee is closing soon anyway, but we always like to be in compliance with the FPPC."

Nearly 30 other campaign committees and political action committees were also fined for missing the $50 annual fee in 2013.