Education board member arraigned in court on perjury charges

A local education official was arraigned today on perjury charges.

Education board member Annette Gonzalez Buttner pleaded not guilty today at Brawley court.

She was arraigned on two felony counts: Perjury by declaration and False declaration of candidacy. She’s accused of using, while not actually living there, a Calexico address when she ran for office five years ago in order to qualify as a candidate.

The Imperial County Office of Education said they’ve had concerns over Ms. Buttner’s actual address since 2016.

Ms. Buttner said she does live in Calexico but travels out of the county to continue her education.

Debra Porter, Imperial County Registrar of Voters, said a candidate’s address is critical in an election.

“The address on the registration card, it precincts that voter into the districts that they’re eligible to either be a candidate for or vote on election day,” Porter said.

On Friday, in court, she gave her financial declaration and was told she qualified for a public defender.

Ms. Buttner not been arrested. She remains free without bail on her own recognizance. She’s scheduled back in court on next Wednesday.