Board of Ethics public meetings in 2022
20 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of Ethics
The Board of Ethics issued several advisory opinions regarding post-employment restrictions and gift prohibitions for public employees. It also ruled on numerous requests to waive or reduce campaign finance late fees and selected judges for the Ethics Adjudicatory Board.
- Selected 7 administrative law judges for the Ethics Adjudicatory Board
- Suspended late fee for Ronald J. Evans based on future compliance
- Declined to waive campaign finance late fees for Barbara Norton and Manny Bruno
- Reduced John Ray LeBlanc's 10-G late fee to $400; declined to waive $1,000 fee
- Ruled that New Orleans Police Department employees are prohibited from receiving gift cards
- Ruled that Calcasieu Parish School Board employees are prohibited from receiving monetary awards
- Prohibited a retired Springhill City Councilman from appointment to any position for two years
- Reduced Jamar Gailes' three $2,000 late fees to $1,000 each
Board of Ethics
The Louisiana Board of Ethics meets over two days to consider complaints, advisory opinions, and requests to waive or reconsider campaign finance late fees. Items include a request to reconsider a $1,500 late fee for a charter school board member and multiple waiver requests totaling thousands of dollars. The board will also select administrative law judges and discuss post-employment restrictions.
- Reconsideration of $1,500 late fee for Ronald J. Evans, Jefferson Rise Charter School Board (Docket 21-556)
- Waiver request for $540, $1,140, and $180 in late fees for Barbara Norton, unsuccessful candidate for State Representative (Docket 22-515)
- Waiver request for $3,000 late fee for Community Organization for Urban Politics PAC (Docket 22-708)
- Waiver request for $9,000 in late fees for Communications Workers of America PAC (Docket 21-1063)
- Untimely waiver request for $6,000 in late fees for Jamar Gailes, unsuccessful candidate for Mayor of Alexandria (Docket 22-712)
Board of Ethics
The Board of Ethics processed numerous waiver requests for late filing fees and issued advisory opinions on employment and contracting conflicts. Several campaign finance and personal disclosure fees were waived or suspended, while others were upheld. The Board also adopted a consent opinion requiring a $2,473.54 civil penalty for a Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans employee.
- Suspended $1,500 late fee for Randy Paul Broussard based on future compliance
- Declined to waive $800 campaign finance late fee for Harold Bartholomew, Jr.
- Suspended all but $240 of a $480 late fee for Keith Anthony Baudin
- Adopted advisory opinion prohibiting Dr. John George from certain LEDC contracts for two years
- Declined to waive three campaign finance late fees for Barbara Norton
- Ruled that Tyana Johnson cannot be employed by Winnsboro Elementary while her mother serves on the Franklin Parish School Board
- Adopted consent opinion for Vana Acker and Davanya Tabb including a $2,473.54 civil penalty
- Approved a purchasing plan for the Town of Urania regarding Ivy’s LLC
Board of Ethics
The Louisiana Board of Ethics will meet over two days to consider numerous waiver requests for campaign finance and personal financial disclosure late fees, totaling thousands of dollars. The board will also discuss confidential complaints in executive session and issue advisory opinions on potential ethics conflicts for public officials and employees.
- Waiver request for $6,000 in late fees for Jamar Gailes, unsuccessful candidate for Mayor of Alexandria (2014 election).
- Waiver request for $5,000 in late fees for Voters Organized to Educate and its deputy director.
- Advisory opinion on whether a Franklin Parish School Board member's daughter may be employed as a paraprofessional.
- Advisory opinion on whether a board member of Louisiana Shrimp Association can accept funds from a state marketing fund.
- Consent opinion regarding Vana Acker, employee of Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans, for processing a claim for her daughter's vehicle.
Board of Ethics
The Board of Ethics decided on multiple campaign finance late fee waivers and issued several advisory opinions regarding the Code of Governmental Ethics. The Board also adopted its 2023 meeting calendar and revised Personal Financial Disclosure Waiver Guidelines.
- Rescinded $6,000 in late fees for W. K. 'Bill' Fontenot
- Affirmed $1,300 late fee for Phillip David Ridder, Jr.
- Ruled that Dr. Eric James Brooks may work part-time as an ER physician
- Ruled that Philip Graves is prohibited from contractual engineering services for DOTD Area West for two years post-retirement
- Ruled that Mayor Nicholas Hunter may rent property to a Section 8 tenant
- Adopted consent opinion for Sheldon Sheppard admitting violation and paying $500 penalty
- Declined late fee waivers for 13 separate campaign finance dockets
- Permitted in-kind contribution for Representative Brett Geymann's fundraiser (7-1)
Board of Ethics
The Board is reviewing numerous requests to waive late fees for campaign finance disclosures, lobbying reports, and personal financial disclosures. The agenda also includes several requests for advisory opinions regarding potential conflicts of interest and post-employment restrictions.
- Waiver requests for various campaign finance late fees, including $4,000 for John A. Navy
- Advisory opinion request regarding post-employment restrictions for a former DOTD Area Engineer
- Advisory opinion request regarding potential conflicts for the Executive Director of the LA Office of Community Development
- Review of a $1,500 late fee waiver request for Ronald J. Evans of Jefferson Rise Charter School Board
- Consideration of proposed changes to the PFD Waiver Guidelines
Board of Ethics
The Board issued several advisory opinions regarding post-employment restrictions and conflict-of-interest rules for public officials. It also approved several disqualification plans and denied multiple campaign finance late fee waivers.
- Ruled Marella A. Houghton's employment with Louisiana Firefighters’ Retirement System’s Board of Trustees is not prohibited (unanimous)
- Ruled Matt Paxton may render mental health services to his former school district (unanimous)
- Ruled Rita Desai may serve on Louisiana National Bank board if elected to Arcadia Town Council, subject to disclosures and recusal (unanimous)
- Ruled Ariella Carter is prohibited from receiving compensation for janitorial services for a DCFS landlord while employed (unanimous)
- Approved disqualification plans for Robert and Dielle Barrentine and Shannon and Angela LaFargue
- Denied campaign finance late fee waivers for Juana Marine-Lombard ($2,500) and United Ballot/Christopher Williams ($3,000)
- Suspended $1,500 late fee for Karen Collins based on future compliance
- Adopted consent opinions for publication regarding Rowdy Gaudet and Emergent Method, LLC
Board of Ethics
The Louisiana Board of Ethics meets over two days to consider complaints, advisory opinions, waiver requests, and other business. An executive session will discuss charges filed against Darren Lewis and Derrell Martin in Docket No. 2021-334. The board will also review numerous advisory opinions on post-employment restrictions, nepotism, and campaign finance late fee waivers.
- Executive session on charges against Darren Lewis and Derrell Martin (Docket No. 2021-334)
- Advisory opinion on potential code violations for owner of nighttime businesses becoming Director of Nighttime Economy for New Orleans (Docket No. 22-407)
- Advisory opinion on post-employment restrictions for former Orleans Parish Schools Superintendent Henderson Lewis Jr. (Docket No. 22-500)
- Request to waive $2,500 campaign finance late fee for Juana Marine-Lombard (Docket No. 22-506)
- Request to waive $3,000 campaign finance late fee for United Ballot (Docket No. 22-507)
Board of Ethics
The Board of Ethics adjudicated multiple requests to waive or reduce late fees for personal and campaign financial disclosures. The Board also issued several advisory opinions regarding the Code of Governmental Ethics for public officials and contractors.
- Suspended all but $250 of a $2,500 late fee for Grayson Linn “Lindy” Bolgiano, Jr. (unanimous)
- Reaffirmed $1,000 reduced late fee for Marlin N. Gusman (unanimous)
- Ruled that the Code of Governmental Ethics prohibits Gregory Carroll from employment by the City of Kenner for two years post-service (unanimous)
- Ruled that the Code of Governmental Ethics does not prohibit Ronny Zaunbrecher from serving on the Broadmoor Gravity Drainage District (unanimous)
- Adopted consent opinions for publication regarding Chastity Livingston, Yvette Robinson, Justin Childress, and State Line Vacuum Services, LLC (unanimous)
- Rescinded late fees for Floyd Davis (unanimous)
- Declined to waive a $500 late fee for Fidelia Jackson-Grayer (unanimous)
- Deferred a request to reconsider a $600 late fee for C. Sherburne Sentell (unanimous)
Board of Ethics
The Louisiana Board of Ethics meets August 4-5, 2022, to consider confidential complaints and charges in executive session, including cases against Willie Scott Woods, Nathan Haymer, Sheldon Sheppard, Rebekah Gee, Vana Acker, and Davanya Tabb. The public agenda includes reconsideration requests for campaign finance and personal financial disclosure late fees, advisory opinions on ethics questions, and waiver requests.
- Executive session discussion of charges against Nathan Haymer in Docket Nos. 2018-455, 2018-967, and 2019-781
- Reconsideration of a $2,500 late fee for Youngsville City Council Member Grayson Linn 'Lindy' Bolgiano Jr. (G1)
- Advisory opinion on whether Jean Lafitte Mayor Timothy P. Kerner Jr. may donate use of his building as City Hall (G5)
- Reconsideration of a $2,500 campaign finance late fee for unsuccessful Orleans Parish Sheriff candidate Marlin N. Gusman (G3)
- Waiver request for $1,200 and $2,000 late fees against Northshore Home Builders Association PAC (G21)
Board of Ethics
The Board of Ethics issued several civil penalties for campaign finance disclosure failures and rendered advisory opinions on government employment and conflict-of-interest rules. The Board also decided on various requests to waive late fees for campaign finance reports.
- Assessed $10,000 civil penalty to Matthew Sias, Jr. for failing to file a 10-G report
- Assessed $30,000 in total civil penalties to Jeremy A. Chesteen for three missing reports
- Assessed $10,000 civil penalties each to Kevin Bates, Scotty Waggoner, and Bart E. Liles
- Declined to waive late fees for Ward 3 PAC and chairperson Michael Fruge
- Ruled that Code of Governmental Ethics does not prohibit Desire Line LLC from contracting with Pontchartrain Levee District
- Ruled that Oliver Thomas is prohibited from providing compensated services to Equity Media while it has a relationship with the City of New Orleans
- Ruled that Tony Hardy (councilman) is prohibited from participating in transactions involving Mike Hardy (Police Chief)
- Rescinded $900 late fee for Steven Jackson based on Rule 1205B(3)
Board of Ethics
The Board of Ethics will meet to consider various advisory opinion requests regarding potential conflicts of interest for public officials and vendors. The agenda also includes reviewing campaign finance disclosure reports and considering requests to waive late fees.
- Review of confidential complaints and charges against Klay Becnel and Jeffery Lirette
- Advisory opinion on City Attorney for City of Bossier entering a contract with the CAO's father
- Advisory opinion on whether Port Barre Police Chief Deon Boudreaux may work for a bail bonds agency
- Review of campaign finance late fee waivers, including a $4,400 request for Ward 3 PAC
- Review of personal financial disclosure late fee waivers, including a $2,500 request from Noli C. Guinigundo
Board of Ethics
The Board issued several advisory opinions regarding conflicts of interest for public officials and employees. It also ruled on numerous requests to waive campaign finance and financial disclosure late fees, denying most requests while granting a few. Additionally, the Board adopted four consent opinions and dismissed related charges.
- Declined to waive campaign finance late fees for D. Nicole Sheppard
- Ruled that the Code prohibits the Schriever Fire Protection District from hiring Ryan Chauvin as a paid worker while his father-in-law serves on the board
- Ruled that the Code prohibits La Sandra Darensbourg Gordon from accepting part-time employment with the ARC of St. Charles while on the Parish Council
- Approved disqualification plans for Darren and Linda Dore’ but declined those for Nolan, Avery, and Kaye Hulin
- Ruled that the Code prohibits United Community Bank from entering into a transaction with Bayou Community Academy Charter School
- Adopted consent opinions and dismissed charges for Jeanine Blaney, Lashanda Bridges, Linda Musson, and Donald and Marla Cooper
- Waived late fees for Gregory Morrison ($1,500) and Mark Holder ($100)
- Declined to waive late fees for LA Loggers PAC, Citizens for a Better Caddo, and others
Board of Ethics
The Board of Ethics ruled on several advisory opinions regarding government contracts and employment restrictions. The Board also processed campaign finance late fee waivers and assessed $20,000 in civil penalties for missing disclosure reports.
- Ruled Rep. Dustin Miller and Acadiana Practitioners LLC may contract with HBPA (unanimous)
- Approved DOTD disqualification plan to hire Preston Brock (unanimous)
- Approved LPSC disqualification plan to hire Melissa Frey (unanimous)
- Ruled Section 1111C(2)(d) prohibits Andrea Bryant from working for Guardian Angels Place, LLC (unanimous)
- Ruled Section 1113A prohibits Ikey Ray/Boot Up Football Clinic from contracting with Jena High School (unanimous)
- Assessed $20,000 in civil penalties against Jeamie F. McCullen for two missing reports (unanimous)
- Reduced campaign finance late fees for Craig Marks ($160), Lisa McCoy ($400), and Jamie R. Robinson ($200) (unanimous)
- Waived lobbying late fees for Caroline Lafourcade and Marcus Thomas (unanimous)
Board of Ethics
The Board of Ethics will meet to discuss confidential complaints and charges in executive session. The agenda also includes reviewing requests for advisory opinions regarding employment restrictions and approving various disqualification plans.
- Executive session discussions regarding charges against Yvette Robinson, Sheldon Sheppard, and Donald and Marla Cooper
- Advisory opinion request for a company owned by Rep. Dustin Miller contracting with HBPA
- DOTD Disqualification Plan for Kimberly and Preston Brock
- Penalty assessments for campaign finance disclosure failures for Lisa Chafford and Jeamie F. McCullen
- Waiver requests for campaign finance late fees totaling $4,060
Board of Ethics
The Board of Ethics issued several $10,000 civil penalties for failure to file campaign finance reports. The Board also ruled on multiple advisory opinions regarding outside employment and conflict of interest, and decided on various late fee waiver requests.
- Assessed $10,000 civil penalty against Glenn Lazard (unanimous)
- Assessed $20,000 in civil penalties against Chris C. Smith (unanimous)
- Assessed $10,000 civil penalty against G. Denise Dupree (unanimous)
- Assessed $10,000 civil penalty against Joshua Hajiakbarifini (unanimous)
- Ruled that Code of Governmental Ethics prohibits Heather Evans from part-time employment with HYDRIK while employed by DNR (unanimous)
- Approved disqualification plan for Gregory Harding's son to be hired by Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government (unanimous)
- Suspended $1,350 late fee for Tricia Alexander based on future compliance (unanimous)
- Declined to waive $800 late fee for Stephanie Bridges (unanimous)
Board of Ethics
The Board of Ethics updated the food and drink limit for public servants and issued several advisory opinions on governmental ethics. The Board also assessed $30,000 in civil penalties for campaign finance reporting failures and ruled on various late fee waiver requests.
- Increased food and drink limit for public servants to $70 per event effective July 1, 2022
- Assessed $10,000 civil penalties each for Brandon Perkins, Terry W. Sercovich, and Lucian J. McKinney, Jr. (3 reports)
- Approved disqualification plan for David North, Jr. regarding William and Lori Whatley
- Ruled that the Code of Governmental Ethics prohibits a trailer park from dedicating a plant to Sewerage District No. 1 while Mr. Thibodeaux serves on the Board
- Concluded that the Code does not prohibit Anthony Baker from working part-time for his father's company while employed by DOTD
- Declined to waive $600 in late fees for David Gregory Nowak
- Suspended late fees based on future compliance for Vickie Tolliver Auguste and Kathy Reznik Benoit
- Reaffirmed decision to decline late fee waivers for Black Organization for Leadership Development, Derrick Edwards, and HAFA PAC Corporation
Board of Ethics
The Board adopted several advisory opinions regarding employment and conflict-of-interest prohibitions. It also processed numerous campaign finance late fee waiver requests, resulting in several penalties being upheld, reduced, or rescinded.
- Assessed $10,000 civil penalty against Frank Scurlock for failure to file 2019 supplemental report
- Prohibited Michael Anders from serving as volunteer patrol officer while wife is Police Chief of Village of Hosston
- Approved disqualification plans for Nicholls State University and LSU Lallie Kemp Regional Medical Center
- Declined to waive late fees for Stephen J. Gremillion, Patricia Boyd Robertson, and Tunica Biloxi Indians PAC
- Rescinded late fees for Cedric Floyd and New Orleans Home Builders Association
- Reaffirmed decisions to decline fee waivers for C. Denise Marcelle, Joy R. Jackson, and April D. Williams
- Ruled that Capital Area Groundwater Conservation District Board members are prohibited from receiving compensation from specific related companies
- Dismissed charges against members of the Capital Area Ground Water Conservation District Board of Commissioners
Board of Ethics
The Board of Ethics issued several advisory opinions on governmental ethics and ruled on numerous requests to waive late fees for campaign finance and personal financial disclosures. Some fees were waived or suspended, while others were reaffirmed. The Board also adopted three consent opinions for publication.
- Declined to waive campaign finance late fees for Earnest A. Burguieres, III ($320), Judge Lee V. Faulkner, Jr. ($480), Brady Dennis O’Callaghan ($540), and Marie Williams ($1,000)
- Suspended all but $1,050 of a $1,500 late fee for James Russell Fatic
- Ruled that LSU Lallie Kemp Medical Center employees may accept food gifts from vendors up to $65 per employee if consumed at an event with the vendor
- Ruled that New Iberia Mayor Pro Tem Ricky Gonsoulin is prohibited from voting on the annexation of land leased to his family business
- Waived lobbying registration and expenditure late fees for Amanda Derise ($800) and Edward Shanklin ($50)
- Waived personal financial disclosure late fees for David Bates ($1,500) and Levi Lewis Sr. ($2,500)
- Adopted for publication consent opinions regarding Dwayne Sanner, Jill Cowart, and Aimye Dugas
- Deferred advisory opinion requests for Paul D. Escott, Richard L Traina, and Robert J. Klein
Board of Ethics
The Board of Ethics will meet on January 6 and 7, 2022, to conduct executive sessions regarding confidential complaints and pending charges. The agenda also includes reviewing numerous requests for advisory opinions and petitions to waive campaign finance and personal financial disclosure late fees.
- Review of campaign finance late fee waivers ranging from $200 to $1,000
- Review of personal financial disclosure (PFD) late fee waivers up to $2,500
- Advisory opinion request regarding St. Charles Parish agreement with P.A.C.E.
- Advisory opinion request regarding post-employment restrictions for former Police Chief Laine Landry
- Advisory opinion request regarding New Iberia Mayor Pro Tem Ricky Gonsublin and land annexation