Springfield schools employee hosted illegal fundraiser for School Committee member Joesiah Gonzalez, records show

SPRINGFIELD — A newly hired assistant schools superintendent in Springfield hosted a prohibited fundraiser for a School Committee member and City Council candidate.

An invitation obtained by The Republican shows that Jose Escribano, then a School Department family liaison and former principal, hosted a "Fall Fundraiser" at The Fort restaurant for Joesiah Gonzalez.

The fundraiser took place Oct. 30, according to an announcement posted on social media by Escribano.

"Come out, bring a friend so we can build our city's future together," the invitation read.

Escribano also co-hosted a fundraiser on May 15 at the White Lion brewery in Springfield, according to another social media post.

State ethics rules prohibit a public employee from hosting a fundraiser for a political candidate. The state Office of Campaign and Political Finance says that violations can lead to fines and other penalties.

Escribano had been named assistant superintendent of community engagement, family empowerment and partnerships.

State campaign finance reports show that Escribano gave Gonzalez's campaign $1,000, which was logged in February. Campaign donations by public employees are not prohibited.

Neither Escribano nor Gonzalez responded to requests for comment on the fundraisers.

Gonzalez is a candidate for the Ward 1 City Council seat, taking on incumbent Maria Perez. The match-up created tension when Perez was fired from her New North Citizens' Council job while Gonzalez was a board member in July.

Gonzalez has since resigned from the board and Perez him and others associated with New North, alleging wrongful firing, conspiracy and other counts.

Gonzalez's former fellow board member, Efrain "Jesse" Vazquez, told colleagues that Gonzalez wrote a misleading press release about Perez's firing and used a different computer in an attempt to disguise his involvement.

Read the original article on MassLive .