The Reporter published a paid political ad in the Nov. 2 issue announcing a write-in campaign for Jason Craig for Walton Town Council. The Reporter subsequently learned from Jason Craig that he was not campaigning and the ad was placed without his knowledge.
The paid political advertisement from Steven Sehen was assumed to be credible, like many other write-in campaign ads The Reporter has printed for the last decade.
Sehen apologized to Craig for placing the paid political advertisement and the ad has been removed from The Reporter’s website and digital edition.
Craig said he was surprised to learn of the political advertisement. "Shocked, actually, as I was never approached or asked prior to the ad being run."
Craig said he is interested in local government, "... as we all should be. But a run for Walton Town Council just isn’t in the cards for me," he said. "My plate is very full with my duties at the Delaware County Fair. I’ve been asked in the past to run for positions, but I feel if I can’t give 100% then it’s not fair to the people I would represent to hold the position."
Craig said he hopes the ad does not impact the contested election and asks that Walton voters not write his name in on the ballot.
Candidates appearing on the ballot for Walton Town Council in the Nov. 7 general election are Leonard Govern, Kathleen Hayek and Patricia Wood.
