Missing campaign finance reports may cost Oklahoma County Commissioner Myles Davidson

Oklahoma County's newest commissioner likely will have to pay late fees after failing to file quarterly campaign finance reports.

Commissioner Myles Davidson on Wednesday took responsibility for not making sure the reports were filed.

“It is ultimately on me to ensure I am up to date on finance reports," Davidson said after he was notified of a complaint. "I am in the process of filing amended documentation that shows my past campaign finance records. I am happy to correct any wrong-doings and pay any fines handed down from the Ethics Commission.”

Midwest City resident Sara Bana filed the complaint Tuesday with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission, saying Jan. 31, 2023, was the last time Davidson filed a campaign finance report related to his successful 2022 run to become the District 3 commissioner.

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Bana said Davidson's failure to file timely reports raises questions about his ongoing efforts to secure 1901 E Grand Blvd. as a location for the county's new jail, given what she said is a long-standing personal relationship with the Garrett Family, a co-owner of that property.

After commissioners voted to select that location in February, opponents complained William Garrett, a co-owner of that land, had donated $2,900 to Davidson's $200,000-plus election campaign.

She also mentioned Davidson's ties to Flintco , the contractor commissioners unanimously voted to hire to build the new jail.

Earlier this year, Davidson changed the location of a post-election fundraising event from Flintco's headquarters.

Davidson admitted his campaign staff's choice to hold a fundraiser at Flintco was a bad idea. But at the same time, he denied critics claims that William Garrett's donation had any influence on his preference to build the jail within the mostly industrial area located just west of Del City.

Bana said Davidson should be held accountable for not filing the reports.

"This failure by a public official to comply with the rules/regulations of the Oklahoma Ethics Commission and state laws for over a year constitutes suspicious activities, egregious ethics violations and gross negligence," Bana wrote.

The Ethics Commission has in the past collected late fees from candidates who do not file their reports on time. Those candidates include state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters .

The Ethics Commission has regularly complained it has not been given funding to check campaign reports of county and city candidates.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Missing campaign finance reports may cost Oklahoma County Commissioner Myles Davidson