Darien-Area Group Admits Errors In Finance Report

DARIEN, IL – A Darien-area political action committee on Thursday acknowledged errors in its financial report with the state elections agency.

On Monday, Diogenes PAC filed a report that it received $95,000 in seed money, but did not disclose its donors, as required by law.

The group is serving as a pass-through organization for the money to support a campaign to increase property taxes in Center Cass School District 66.

In an email to Patch, Mark Safranski, the committee's chairman, said the $95,000 came from the Illinois Education Association, to which the Center Cass teachers union belongs. Patch already reported that fact, which was apparent through the association's financial report.

"The leadership of the IEA was concerned about the severe financial crisis faced by the district and the impact it could have on students, staff and the community," Safranski said.

Safranski and the two other committee members are Center Cass teachers.

The money from Diogenes is going to the Save Center Cass School District 66 committee, which has a Downers Grove mailing address.

Asked why a pass-through group was needed, Safranski said it was not required.

"A PAC permits a range of activities under Illinois law, and making donations is one function," he said.

Safranski said Diogenes was created to support public education in Illinois. By contrast, he said, Save Center Cass has a single purpose – persuade voters to pass the tax increase in the Nov. 8 election.

"We will continue to fully support them as needed during the referendum campaign," Safranski said.

He said Diogenes contacted the state Board of Elections about the group's filing errors. Diogenes, he said, plans to amend its report soon.

Save Center Cass is campaigning for the passage of a nearly 20 percent increase for the district's part of the property tax bill.

The school district says it would likely lay off teachers if the referendum fails. In the summer, it laid off other types of employees, cut programs and shortened the school day.

Last month, the school board said it lacked the money to get through a full school year.

Center Cass serves students in parts of Darien and Downers Grove.