September 25, 2019, at 9:00 a.m.
Location: Commission Office, 45 Memorial Circle, 2nd Floor, Augusta, Maine
Present were: William A. Lee III, Esq.; Meri N. Lowry; Hon. Richard A. Nass; and Bradford A. Pattershall, Esq.
1. Ratification of Minutes of July 30, 2019 Meeting
Motion: To adopt the July 30 minutes.
Made by: Ms. Lowry
Seconded by: Mr. Pattershall
Vote: 4-0
2. Audits of 2018 Maine Clean Election Act Candidates
The Commission’s auditors updated the Commission on the progress of the post-election audits of 2018 Maine Clean Election Act candidates.
No action required.
3. Update on Transition and Inaugural Committees
The Commission will receive an update on the financial disclosure statements and fundraising by the inaugural committee of Gov. Janet T. Mills, and may take action concerning the committee’s acceptance of donations after the January 31 fundraising limitation in Title 1,§ 1051(4).
- Additional Materials - Mills Inaugural Committee Third Supplementary Report (posted 9/24/2019)
Motion: To continue the matter until the committee reports that it has paid the underlying debt or until the Commission decides to bring the matter back for further hearing.
Made by: Mr. Lee
Seconded by: Mr. Pattershall
Vote: 3-1 (Mr. Nass opposed)
4. Consideration of Proposed Legislation
The Commission considered three bills drafted by staff to clarify and improve the disclosure made by lobbyists, political action committees and ballot question committees.
Motion: To recommend adoption of proposed legislative changes with amendments recommended by members of the Commission.
Made by: Mr. Nass
Seconded by: Ms. Lowry
Vote: 4-0
5. Compliance Reviews of 2020 PACs led by Legislators
The Commission discussed plans to conduct compliance reviews of financial activity in 2020 by political action committees which are directed or controlled by a Legislator.
No action required.
Other Business: None
Executive Session: None