Do you have to file a financial report if you don't have any finances?

NATICK

With the Feb. 26 preliminary election in sight, one challenger in the race to winnow five candidates to four for two seats on the Board of Selectmen, has apparently failed to file any campaign finance reports.

According to records in the Town Clerk's office, candidate Jeffrey Phillips missed the Friday, Feb. 15 cut-off for filing, which his competitors all met.

By law, candidates in town races must submit spending reports at least eight days before and 30 days after the election, followed by a January year-end report. Town Clerk Judi Kuhn said candidates receive plenty of notice about their fiscal responsibilities under the state law, and are also sent reminders by her staff.

"You have to follow the rules," Kuhn said.

Phillips said Thursday he didn't file a report because he hasn't raised or spent any money on a campaign. After Tuesday's vote, if he's still in the race, he said he'll begin working to get his message out.

Selectman Chairwoman Carol Gloff filed her reports on Feb. 11, listing a campaign fund balance of $3,689.43. Fellow incumbent Charles Hughes filed on Feb. 15, listing $1,549.03 in assets.

Challengers John Connolly and John Moran both filed by the deadline listing balances of $655.12 and $1,036.14 respectively.

-- Michele Morgan Bolton