Board of Ethics public meetings in 2020

Board of Ethics

The Board issued several advisory opinions regarding employment and appointment restrictions under the Code of Governmental Ethics. The Board also processed numerous requests for late fee waivers related to campaign and personal financial disclosures, granting some partial or full suspensions.

• Adopted opinion that Munca Technologies, Inc. may participate in LSU's Safe Ride Program
• Ruled that a Harahan City Council member's son-in-law cannot be appointed to a city board
• Ruled Gary Gisclair cannot contract with DOTD's Operations Department for two years
• Adopted opinion that the Governor may appoint Dr. Lauren Rasmussen to the State Board of Examiners of Psychologists
• Approved disqualification plan for Patricia Broussard (Office of Finance & Management)
• Adopted Consent Order for Gerald Jones following $1,500 payment for ethics violation
• Suspended $8,000 of $12,000 in late fees for International Paper, PAC
• Suspended all late fees for Trina Trinhthi Chu conditioned on future compliance

Board of Ethics

The Board of Ethics will meet on December 3 and 4, 2020, to discuss confidential complaints in executive session and issue advisory opinions. The body will also consider numerous requests to waive late fees for campaign finance, lobbying, and personal financial disclosure filings.

• Executive session discussion of charges against Ron Bourgeois, REECO Rental & Supply, Ronnie Chiasson, and Sunbelt Fire Inc. (Docket No. 2018-757)
• Request to waive $12,000 in campaign finance late fees for International Paper PAC (Docket No. 20-787)
• Advisory opinion request from Vidalia Chief of Police Joey Merrill regarding monetary donations from Riverpark Medical Center (Docket No. 20-782)
• Review of a Disqualification Plan for the Town of Arcadia concerning Billy Abner (Docket No. 20-731)
• Multiple personal financial disclosure fee waiver requests, including a $2,500 request from Erika L. Green (Docket No. 20-772)

Board of Ethics

The Board of Ethics adopted several advisory opinions regarding post-employment restrictions and public servant definitions. The Board also ruled on numerous campaign finance and financial disclosure late fee waiver requests, resulting in a mix of waivers, reductions, and denials.

• Reduced campaign finance late fees for Gerald Chelette to $600 each (unanimous)
• Adopted advisory opinion allowing Slidell employees to be hired by private contractors if they didn't participate in the privatization decision (unanimous)
• Approved Slidell Police Department employees to receive retired K9 officers via donation (unanimous)
• Adopted consent opinions for David W. Romano, Gwen Jackson, and Kimberly King (unanimous)
• Ruled Richard H. Reid cannot be hired by McNeese State University Foundation for two years post-retirement (unanimous)
• Waived campaign finance late fee for Melissa Gueldner (unanimous)
• Declined late fee waivers for Scott Discon, Maurice Keen, and others in the Campaign Finance Waiver Chart (unanimous)
• Deferred decision on Gregory M. Jordan's $1,500 late fee waiver to December meeting (unanimous)

Board of Ethics

The Louisiana Board of Ethics is meeting over two days to discuss confidential complaints and charges, consider numerous requests to waive campaign finance and disclosure late fees, and issue advisory opinions on post-employment restrictions, contract awards, and other ethics questions. The agenda includes executive sessions on charges against Melissa Guitreau, Kimberly Powell, and James Gibson.

• Executive session discussion of charges against Melissa Guitreau (Docket No. 2018-1404), Kimberly Powell (Docket No. 2019-051), and James Gibson and Gibson Entities, LLC (Docket No. 2019-796).
• Advisory opinion request on privatization of Slidell water and wastewater services (Docket No. 20-708).
• Waiver request for $6,000 in campaign finance late fees against Gerald Chelette, candidate for Grant Parish Sheriff (Docket No. 20-310).
• Consent order regarding Gwen Jackson, former Executive Director of the Housing Authority for the Village of Fenton (pop. 379) (Docket No. 17-1308).
• Advisory opinion request on whether retired K9 officers can be placed with handlers (Docket No. 20-707).

Board of Ethics

The Board of Ethics adopted several advisory opinions regarding conflicts of interest for state and local officials. It also ruled on various campaign finance and financial disclosure late fee waiver requests and opposed Senate Bill No. 10. The Board approved the 2021 meeting calendar and updated campaign finance reporting forms.

• Opposed Senate Bill No. 10 regarding exceptions from Code of Governmental Ethics
• Approved updated campaign finance disclosure reporting forms
• Adopted 2021 meeting calendar with April and July date changes
• Declined $800 late fee waiver for Communications Workers of America (Docket 20-305)
• Declined late fee waivers for Darwin Bradley Adams (Docket 20-377) and Monique Lafontaine (Docket 20-393)
• Suspended late fees for Andrea Germaine King, Perry Corrice Catchings, and Cheryl Maria Richoux
• Adopted consent order for Reagan Currence admitting violation of Section 1115 and $1,000 penalty
• Adopted consent opinion for Walter Reed regarding prohibited legal services

Board of Ethics

The Board of Ethics is meeting to discuss confidential complaints in executive session and issue advisory opinions on governmental ethics. The body will also consider requests to waive late fees for campaign finance and personal financial disclosure filings.

• Review of proposed changes to campaign finance disclosure reporting forms
• Request to waive $800 campaign finance late fee for Communications Workers of America
• Request to waive $2,500 late fee for Denham Springs City Council member Christopher M. Davis
• Advisory opinion on whether Shreve Memorial Library can support the Black Lives Matter movement
• Consent opinion regarding former St. Tammany District Attorney Walter Reed's ethics violations

Board of Ethics

The Louisiana Board of Ethics will hold an executive session to discuss confidential complaints and charges against several individuals, including Walter Reed (Docket No. 2014-888), Nancy Escobar (2019-004), Cathy Kendrick and Gretchen Bradford (2019-689), and Chris Smith (5119-013). The board will also consider numerous waiver requests for late fees on campaign finance and personal financial disclosure reports, and advisory opinions on post-employment and conflicts of interest.

• Executive session discussion of charges against Walter Reed (Docket No. 2014-888)
• Waiver request for $2,000 campaign finance late fee from Fernest James 'Pacman' Martin, candidate for Iberia Parish Sheriff (Docket No. 20-388)
• Advisory opinion on whether Randall Bryan can serve as elected police chief while employed by Village of Anacoco (Docket No. 20-541)
• Consent opinion on misuse of campaign funds by Anthony Bruce Rainey, Sr. (Docket No. 19-1075)
• Waiver request for $1,500 late fee from Gregory M. Jordan, Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District (Docket No. 19-1025)

The Board adopted several advisory opinions regarding conflicts of interest for public officials. It also ruled on numerous requests to waive or reduce late fees for campaign finance and personal financial disclosure filings.

• Suspended all but $500 of William Mertz's late fee (4-3)
• Ruled St. Charles Parish Council member LaSandra Darensbourg Gordon is prohibited from transactions involving the Care Center unless she recuses herself
• Ruled Jeff Kudla is prohibited from receiving compensation for architectural services requiring Historic Preservation Commission approval
• Prohibited Ball Fire Department from moving Firefighter Hawkins from volunteer to part-time status due to nepotism rules
• Adopted consent opinion for Anthony Bruce Rainey, Sr. including a $1,250 civil penalty
• Waived $350 late fee for John O. Shirley
• Suspended all but $250 of Mark Joseph Guillory's late fee (5-2)
• Declined to waive $1,500 late fee for Courtney Brown Bagneris

Board of Ethics

The Board determined that members of the Law Enforcement Officers and Fireman’s Survivor Benefits Review Board must file annual personal financial disclosure statements. The Board also issued several advisory opinions regarding employment and conflict-of-interest rules and ruled on numerous campaign finance and financial disclosure late fee waiver requests.

• Ruled that Law Enforcement Officers and Fireman’s Survivor Benefits Review Board members must file annual Tier 2.1 disclosures (8-1)
• Declined late fee waivers for Jocita Williams ($300), Erin Fays Powel ($240), and Natchez “Trey” Morice
• Suspended all but $100 of a $400 late fee for Michael Brister based on future compliance
• Adopted advisory opinion allowing Ms. Beneville to provide services to Speducation Evaluation Services on off-time
• Adopted advisory opinion allowing Tre' S. Sullivan to be hired by Long & Long Law Firm with specific restrictions
• Approved Disqualification Plan for Warden Pat Johnson regarding the promotion of a twin sister at OPCC
• Prohibited Sharon L. Barthelemy from contracting with the City of New Orleans Finance Department
• Dismissed charges against Hall & Hall Enterprises, LLC, Richard Hall, Jr., Trellis Smith, and Parish-Dubuclet Services

Board of Ethics

The Louisiana Board of Ethics meets August 6-7 to install a new member, elect a vice chairman, and discuss confidential ethics complaints and charges in executive session. The board will also consider numerous waiver requests for campaign finance and personal financial disclosure late fees, and issue advisory opinions on ethics questions from public officials.

• Installation of newly-appointed board member Mark A. Ellis.
• Election of vice chairman for the Louisiana Board of Ethics.
• Executive session discussion of charges in Docket No. 2008-747 against Stacey Jackson, Hall & Hall Enterprises, LLC, Richard Hall, Jr., Trellis Smith, and Parish-Dubuclet Services.
• Executive session discussion of charges in Docket No. 2015-042 against Stephanie Bachemin, Erin Caruso, and Abbey Caruso.
• Waiver request from Gregory M. Jordan for a $1,500 late fee for filing his 2016 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 250 days late.

Board of Ethics

The Board is reviewing numerous requests for advisory opinions regarding employment restrictions, nepotism, and conflicts of interest. The meeting also includes consideration of campaign finance late fee waivers and confidential reports.

• Review of charges pending against Michelle Dennis in Docket No. 2017-672
• Advisory opinion request for Roy Burrell regarding his role as Managing Director of the ICE Institute
• Advisory opinion request for Amar Raghavendra regarding DOTD employment and consulting business
• Waiver request for Nicholas R. P. Wright to waive four $2,000 campaign finance late fees
• Waiver request for Marteze DeSean Singleton to waive $4,600 in campaign finance late fees

The Board reviewed multiple requests for advisory opinions regarding employment conflicts and ethics code compliance. The Board also acted on various campaign finance and lobbying late fee waiver requests, reducing or suspending some penalties while denying others.

• Withdrew advisory opinion request for St. Mary Parish Council member (unanimous)
• Reduced Phyllis Glover's $1500 late fee to $200 based on future compliance (unanimous)
• Adopted advisory opinion regarding Caddo Parish Commissioner Burrell and ICE Institute conflicts (unanimous)
• Declined to render advisory opinion for Amar Raghavendra due to missing information (unanimous)
• Adopted advisory opinion regarding Bill Dawson's employment restrictions (unanimous)
• Adopted advisory opinion regarding Calcasieu Parish Coroner hiring practices (unanimous)
• Adopted advisory opinion regarding Asst. Chief McAnn's volunteer service (unanimous)
• Adopted advisory opinion regarding Terrebonne Parish Parks and Recreation Department employees (unanimous)

Board of Ethics

The Board of Ethics will hold an executive session to discuss confidential charges against several individuals. The board will also consider numerous requests for waivers regarding late fees for campaign finance disclosure reports and lobbying registrations.

• Executive session discussion of charges against Anthony Andre, Dan Klein, Reagan Currence, and Kimberly Powell
• Waiver request for $1,500 late fee from Sibly Haydel Morali (New Orleans Clean Science and Mathematics Charter School)
• Waiver request for $560 campaign finance late fee against Mark Pope
• Waiver request for multiple campaign finance late fees ($420 to $2,000) against various candidates including Ricky J. Gonzalez, Bob Fisher, and Sharon Latour
• Waiver request for $3,000 campaign finance late fee against Central Louisiana Action Committee

The Board reviewed multiple requests to waive or suspend campaign finance, lobbying, and personal financial disclosure late fees. The Board also adopted several advisory opinions regarding ethics compliance for various public officials and entities.

• Waived $1,500 late fee for Sybil Haydel Morial (unanimous)
• Suspended all but $200 of Phyllis L. Miller's late fee (unanimably passed)
• Suspended all of Mark Pope's campaign finance late fee (unanimously passed)
• Waived several late fees for Ricky J. Gonsoulin and suspended one portion (unanimously passed)
• Declined to waive Kyle Parker's $200 campaign finance late fee (unanimously passed)
• Deferred requests for Michael Brister and William Mertz to July meeting (unanimously passed)
• Suspended all but $100 of Bob Fisher's late fee (unanimously passed)
• Suspended all but $200 of Shalon Latour's late fees (unanimously passed)

Board of Ethics

The Board adopted several advisory opinions regarding employment, contracts, and ethics code compliance. The Board also acted on various requests to waive or suspend late fees for campaign finance, lobbying, and personal financial disclosures.

• Adopted advisory opinion: Robbie LeBlanc's appointment to Port of South Louisiana is permitted (Docket No. 20-207)
• Adopted advisory opinion: Jefferson Parish Director of Transit voting on regional matters does not violate ethics code (Docket No. 20-209)
• Adopted advisory opinion: Employment of Michael Sparks, Jr. with Atchafalaya Basin Levee District is prohibited (Docket No. 20-214)
• Adopted advisory opinion: Lisa Paine may serve on Independence Housing Authority but cannot be reappointed while husband is Mayor (Docket No. 20-217)
• Waived $720 late fee for Joel J. Dugas (Docket No. 20-094)
• Declined to waive late fees for Thomas Jones, Jr., Patrick R. Young, Jason P. Amato, Diogo Tavares, Roger Marcantel, and Charles Ketchens
• Waived $1,400 late fee for Justin Richards regarding lobbying registration (Docket No. 20-117)
• Voted to oppose legislative bill HB755 (8-1 vote)

Board of Ethics

The Louisiana Board of Ethics will meet on May 7-8, 2020, to consider confidential complaints and various advisory opinion requests. The Board will also review numerous requests to waive campaign finance, lobbying, and personal financial disclosure late fees.

• Review of confidential charges against Gerald Jones (Docket No. 2016-949) and Kerry Thompson (Docket No. 2017-925)
• Advisory opinion regarding Jeff Everson's employment as Caddo Parish Commission Clerk
• Waiver requests for campaign finance late fees, including a $2,000 fee for Shondrell Perrilloux
• Waiver requests for lobbying registration late fees for Justin Richards and Ileana Ledet
• Waiver requests for personal financial disclosure late fees, including a $2,500 fee for Glenn Schurr

Board of Ethics

The Board reviewed various legislative proposals for the 2020 session, expressing opposition to HB 81 and SB 304. The Board also voted to challenge the Louisiana Legislative Auditor's authority to request review of confidential executive meeting minutes.

• Opposed HB 81 regarding athletic program staff exceptions
• Supported HB 201 regarding judicial financial disclosure requirements (7-4)
• Opposed HB 641 regarding discounted facility rentals for employees
• Supported SB 155 regarding supplemental compensation for certain personnel
• Took no position on SB 193 regarding law enforcement association transactions (7-4)
• Supported SB 194 regarding judicial financial disclosure public records
• Supported SB 238 regarding repayment of campaign contributions or loans
• Opposed SB 304 regarding removal of combined contribution limitations

Board of Ethics

The Louisiana Board of Ethics meets over two days to discuss confidential complaints in executive session, consider dozens of waiver requests for late fees on personal financial disclosures and campaign finance reports, and take up advisory opinions on potential ethics conflicts. The board will also consider proposed legislation for the 2020 Regular Legislative Session and a rule on the food and drink limit for public servants.

• Consideration of legislation for the 2020 Regular Legislative Session (G25)
• Discussion of dollar amount for food and drink limit per event for public servants (G24)
• Waiver requests for campaign finance late fees, including Nicholas R. P. Wright facing $8,000 in fees (G26)
• Dozens of waiver requests for personal financial disclosure late fees, e.g., Gary V. Evans $2,500 (G28)
• Advisory opinions on ethics conflicts, including Marty Dean and St. Tammany Parish Council transactions (G4)

Board of Ethics

The Board of Ethics issued numerous advisory opinions regarding the Code of Governmental Ethics and processed various campaign and personal financial disclosure late fee waivers. It also adopted consent opinions for two former Caddo Parish School Board employees regarding misappropriation of funds.

• Adopted consent opinion for Brandon Lewis with a suspended penalty of $159,683.73
• Adopted consent opinion for Tracy Wood with a $2,000 penalty
• Ruled that Sheriff Mark Garber cannot use campaign funds for a truck bed cover
• Approved recommendations to the Legislature to lower Tier 3 penalties to $25/day (max $500)
• Waived or suspended various campaign finance late fees for multiple candidates
• Declined late fee waivers for Joe Walker, Jr., Arlis Williamson, Jr., and Jessie Kenneth Edwards
• Dismissed charges against Ronnie Remedies and Jared Charpentier
• Ruled that Jeff Everson is prohibited from receiving economic value via his wife's salary from Robinson’s Rescue

Board of Ethics

The Louisiana Board of Ethics meets over two days to discuss ethics complaints in executive session, consider waiver requests for late fees, and review advisory opinions on ethics questions. They will also consider proposed legislation for the 2020 Regular Legislative Session and vote on consent opinions regarding misappropriation of funds by former Caddo Parish School Board employees.

• Executive session discussion of charges against David Romano, Ronnie Remedies, Bert Allain, Jenny Bobal, and Jarad Charpentier
• Waiver request by Sybil Haydel Morial for a $1,500 late fee for failing to file her 2018 Tier 3 annual pfd
• Waiver request by Julie Miramon Knight for $2,500 and $400 campaign finance late fees
• Consideration of proposed legislation for the 2020 Regular Legislative Session (Docket LEGISLA)
• Consent opinions on misappropriation of funds by Brandon Lewis and Tracy Wood, former Caddo Parish School Board employees