PORTLAND, Maine — Supporters of Question 2 have filed an ethics complaint against a magazine publisher and the political action committee opposed to the measure.
The complaint was filed by a group called Save the Soul of Portland, which describes itself as a grassroots organization supporting Question 2.
It claims Maine Media Collective, which publishes Old Port magazine, formed a PAC to raise money for a special issue containing articles and editorials against Question 2, which supporters say was drawn up out of concern that Portland councilors give developers too much of a free hand without listening to the views of citizens.
Anne Rand is spokesperson for Save the Soul of Portland. She says the magazine misled readers by failing to carry a disclaimer informing readers that the issue was paid for by Question 2 opponents.
"My personal opinion is that this is a campaign piece with no disclaimer," she says. "It's a piece that looks to deceive the voting public in Portland into thinking that this is a legitimate magazine piece."
Magazine Publisher Kevin Thomas says it has always been the company's intention to comply with existing laws and regulations. He says Maine Media Collective will file a complete response when it's reviewed the complaint with its attorney.