And a cursory look at state law shows no exemption for such expenses. And if they are made personally, those expenses must still be reported. Houston and Scott each filed statements swearing they had no political activity for the period. The next report, for the period April 27 through June 5, is due June 15. Smith holds out little hope for action by Arzoumanian or the County Attorney's Office, both of whom have been after Smith in Superior Court, trying to oust him from the board because his wife, a participant in Amphi's early retirement program, must work 20 days a year for Amphi.
State law forbids school board members from holding office when spouses work for the district.
Smith and his lawyers have argued since November that his wife is not an employee. Smith is awaiting a decision by Judge Kenneth Lee. His case, according to his lawyers Bill Risner and Anthony Ching, was bolstered by an Attorney General's opinion last week that clarified the law on school districts' early retirement programs. Wilk disagrees and says the case is off point. Nonetheless, Smith's attorneys say the opinion cuts in his favor because Amphi's program was in place before and based on previous opinions.