Anderson Volunteer Firefighters rescind campaign contribution, group head says

Anderson Volunteer Firefighters mistakenly made a $250 campaign contribution to Don Matheson's campaign committee for election to the board of the Anderson Fire Protection District; however, the group has since sought to rescind the amount after learning their non-profit organization cannot legally make campaign contributions, Anderson Volunteer Firefighters president Lee Hart said.

Matheson's campaign committee received the $250 contribution on Oct. 16, according to the committee's campaign disclosure statement. Matheson's campaign posters employed the slogan, "firefighter's choice."

"It never did get cashed, and it will be returned," Hart said of the check, adding that Matheson and Matheson's son caught the group's mistake.

The organization sought to donate a similar amount to a total of five candidates, but no other candidate accepted the attempted donation, Hart said. Other candidates offered the donation included incumbants Marsha Kelley, Paul Bosetti, and candidate Michael Hubert, Sr., Hart said.

The organization has not made campaign contributions in the past, Hart said.

While in previous years the organization made large donations to the fire district, including the purchase of $5,000 metal cutters last year, the organization's activities have been subdued this year.

The organization did not host its June barbecue this year, which in 2008 brought the organization $7,000. Hart said previous fire chief Joe Piccinini had asked the volunteers not to hold the fundraiser this year because the district was also going to ask the district to vote for an increase in fire protection fees for the district.

Regardless, Hart said the volunteers still spent $380 in candy and glow sticks to hand out at Halloween.

The organization will also decorate the Anderson Christmas tree and purchase the teddy bears to be given to children by Santa at the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Anderson Square on Nov. 27.

Matheson was not available for comment Friday.