The Annapolis City Board of Supervisor of Elections is looking into an organization called Friends of Black Annapolitans which appears to be a Political Action Committee. City Clerk, Regina Watkins-Eldridge responded to our email stating that, Chairwoman Eileen Leahy said “the matter is currently under review.” The Board is made up of three members, two Democrat and one Republican.
Online searches and searches from the State records did not yield any information on the organization. Calls to the number went unanswered and we were unable to determine the owner of the number.
The organization had not filed any of the required reports and we cannot find where they have complied with the City Code requiring them to register with the City and maintain a list of officers and file reports detailing their expenses. No such reports have been posted on the City’s website.
While this flyer was targeting the Primary election, we have learned that additional flyers have been distributed in advance of the General Election.
Zina Pierre ran for Mayor of Annapolis in 2009 and defeated Josh Cohen in the primary. She ultimately withdrew from the race after some financial irregularities surfaced as well as questions about her legal residence. Cohen was appointed by the Democratic Central Committee to replace her in the General Election where he defeated Republican candidate Dave Cordle, who’s campaign was managed by current Mayor Mike Pantelides.
We will update this story if and when Ms. Leahy provides an update into the investigation.
