Cherokee Tribune – Petruzielo aide facing ethics law complaints

Two Cherokee County School District officials face allegations they violated state ethics regulations during the special election to fill the seat of late Rep. Calvin Hill (R- Canton) in January.

Woodstock resident Tim Adderholdt filed complaints against Cherokee Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank Petruzielo and school district spokeswoman Barbara Jacoby, alleging the two violated state law by sending emails mentioning one of the candidates during the special election in January.

Adderholdt’s complaints against Petruzielo and Jacoby were received by the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission, formerly known as the State Ethics Commission, on March 26.

Adderholdt claimed in his complaints Jacoby sent emails mentioning one of the candidates, which he considered to be contributions to the candidate’s campaign.

“It’s against the law for a government entity, or anyone acting on behalf of a government entity, to contribute anything of value to a campaign,” Adderholdt said Tuesday. “I would argue the emails were extremely valuable. It’s like product placement in the movies.”

Jacoby and Petruzielo were unable to be reached for comment Tuesday, and the school district offices are closed this week because of spring break.

via Cherokee Tribune – Petruzielo aide facing ethics law complaints.