Agenda
August 23, 2023, 9:00 a.m.
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Note: this meeting will be conducted in person and streamed on the Commission’s YouTube channel. A link to the channel may be found at www.maine.gov/ethics. |
1. Ratification of the Minutes of the July 24, 2023 Meeting
Motion: To adopt the minutes as presented.
Made by: Commissioner Marble
Seconded by: Commissioner Neumann
Vote: 5-0
2. Request for Waiver of Late Filing Penalty – We the People PAC
We the People PAC was required to file an 11-Day Pre-Special Election campaign finance report by Friday, June 2nd. The report was never filed, and the activity required to be reported was disclosed 45 days late. The committee is requesting a waiver of the late filing penalty of $1,147.50 because the treasurer states the PAC was not aware their financial activity triggered a special election report.
Staff recommendation: the Commission staff recommends reducing the penalty to $400.
Motion: To reduce the penalty to $400.
Made by: Commissioner Marble
Seconded by: Commissioner Hastings
Vote: 5-0
3. Request for Waiver of Late Filing Penalty – Star City PAC
Star City PAC was required to file an 11-Day Pre-Special Election campaign finance report by Friday, June 2nd. The report was never filed, and the activity required to be reported was disclosed 39 days late. The committee is requesting a waiver of the late filing penalty of $370.50 because the treasurer states he had confused previous Commission staff advice and believed the PAC did not need to file.
Staff recommendation: the Commission staff recommends reducing the penalty to $200.
Motion: To reduce the penalty to $150.
Made by: Commissioner Marble
Seconded by: Commissioner Neumann
Vote: 5-0
4. Request for Waiver of Late Filing Penalties – Lobbyist Dan Morin - WITHDRAWN
5. Request for Waiver of Late Filing Penalty – Lobbyist Josh McClenney
Josh McClenney, as the lobbyist for American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, was required to file a monthly lobbying report for May on the 15th of June 2023. The report was not filed until June 22nd, 7 days late. Mr. McClenney is requesting a waiver of the late filing penalty of $100, stating he thought he had filed but did not click the right button to submit the report.
Staff recommendation: the Commission staff recommends not reducing the penalty of $100.
Motion: To reduce the penalty to $50.
Made by: Commissioner Neumann
Seconded by: Commissioner Marble
Vote: 5-0
6. Audits of 2022 Maine Clean Election Act Candidates
The Commission audits a random selection of 20% of legislative candidates who participate in the Maine Clean Election Act program. The accounting firm engaged by the Commission will provide an update on the 2022 audits.
The Commission staff recommends initiating a rulemaking to amend the Commission’s rules. The proposed schedule is for the Commission to invite written comments around the end of September, hold a public hearing in October, and consider whether to make the amendments at the November 29 meeting. The proposed changes are routine technical, which means that the Commission is authorized to adopt these amendments without authorization by the Legislature.
ADJOURNMENT at 10:27 a.m.