June 17, 2020 Commission Meeting

Agenda (36.73 KB)
Minutes (101.57 KB)

1.   Appeal of Staff Determination on Maine Clean Election Act Funding – Misty Coolidge

Misty Coolidge is a candidate for the Maine House of Representatives, District 65.  In May, she applied to the Commission for Maine Clean Election Act funding.  On May 29, 2020, the Commission staff determined that she had not submitted 60 valid qualifying contributions, which are required to receive Maine Clean Election Act funding.  The Commission staff found that four qualifying contributions were not valid because Ms. Coolidge did not sign a required statement on a receipt and acknowledgement form that she had collected the four contributions listed on that form.  The candidate has appealed the staff determination.  The Commission will hold a hearing on her appeal, pursuant to 21-A M.R.S. § 1125(14).

Motion:  Sustain the appeal and qualify Misty Coolidge as a Maine Clean Election Act candidate able to receive the first level of funding as authorized by statute.
Made by:  Mr. Lee
Seconded by:  Ms. Lowry
Vote:  2-1 (Mr. Nass opposed)

2.   Appeal of Staff Determination on Maine Clean Election Act Funding – Cynthia Soma-Hernandez

Cynthia Soma-Hernandez is a candidate for the Maine House of Representatives, District 112.  In May, she applied to the Commission for Maine Clean Election Act funding.  On June 3, 2020, the Commission staff determined that she had not submitted 60 valid qualifying contributions, which are required to receive Maine Clean Election Act funding.  The Commission staff found that 28 qualifying contributions were not valid because the candidate had submitted no proof that the contributors were registered to vote, two contributions were duplicates, one contribution was missing and one money order was signed by someone other than the contributor.  Ms. Soma-Hernandez has appealed the staff determination.  The Commission will hold a hearing on the candidate’s appeal.

Motion:  To affirm the decision of the Executive Director of the Maine Ethics Commission that Ms. Cynthia Soma-Hernandez did not submit 60 qualifying contributions to entitle her to participate in the Maine Clean Election Act program.
Made by:  Mr. Lee
Seconded by:  Mr. Nass
Vote:  3-0

Other Business (None)

Executive Session (None)