1. Investigation of Stop the Corridor
At its March 10, 2020 meeting, the Commission directed its staff to investigate whether Stop the Corridor qualified as a political action committee, in light of its involvement in petitioning for a citizen initiative to reject the New England Clean Energy Connect transmission project. Following that meeting, the Commission received preliminary information and documents from legal counsel for Stop the Corridor. The Commission staff seeks guidance from the Commission concerning the scope and procedures for the investigation.
Motion: That the Commission staff should engage in an investigation to gain an understanding of the broad range of Stop the Corridor’s financial activities and the purposes of those activities that not only includes Stop the Corridor’s petitioning costs but also its spending on television, other paid communications, polling and payments to allies.
Made by: Mr. Lee
Seconded by: Mr. Nass
Vote: 3-0
Motion: That the Commission staff investigate Stop the Corridor’s receipt of funds and why its funding sources provided funds to Stop the Corridor.
Made by: Mr. Nass
Seconded by: Mr. Lee
Vote: 3-0
Motion: That the Commission require Stop the Corridor to provide unredacted documents and the disclosure of names in documents and interview responses, for example the funder, vendors and allied organizations.
Made by: Mr. Lee
Seconded by: Mr. Nass
Vote: 3-0
Motion: To authorize the Commission staff to include, as part of its investigation, whether Stop the Corridor qualifies as a ballot question committee
Made by: Mr. Lee
Seconded by: Mr. Nass
Vote: 3-0
Other Business: None
Executive Session: None