By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A second candidate has been charged with failing to disclose donations during the 2016 Casey Council election.
Frank Lamattina, a well-known vegetable grower in Clyde, was charged by the Local Government Inspectorate for allegedly failing to submit a return by the 1 December 2016 deadline.
Candidates were required to submit returns for gifts or donations totalling more than $500.
Another Casey candidate Faisal Najibi was charged earlier this month with the same offence.
During the 2016 poll Mr Lamattina polled second in Balla Balla Ward with 1862 first-preference votes.
Mayor Geoff Ablett, who was preferenced by Mr Lamattina, won the seat with more than 7000 votes.
The offence carries a court imposed fine of $9327.60.
Chief municipal inspector David Wolf said the disclosure of a candidate’s financial backers was a “key factor in the integrity of local government”.
“While we don’t take prosecution action lightly, it is important that we pursue these matters and allow the courts to determine the seriousness of the offence.”
Mr Lamattina is scheduled to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 27 March.
Mr Najibi was listed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 1 March.
