Board of Ethics public meetings in 2023
12 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of Ethics
The Board is reviewing various advisory opinion requests, pending charges in executive session, and several requests to waive late fees for financial disclosures. The agenda also includes consideration of consent opinions regarding unlawful compensation and failure to complete mandatory training.
- Public hearing on a declaratory opinion request from Jefferson Parish Fire Fighters Association - Local 1374
- Waiver requests for late fees ranging from $25 to $2,500 regarding personal financial disclosures
- Consent opinion against Charles Abels, III, regarding unlawful compensation and fuel reimbursements
- Review of charges pending in executive session against Dr. David Sobek, Jacolby Octave, Keith Schroth, and Dr. Larry Hollier
- Advisory opinion request regarding post-employment prohibitions for former CPRA employee Krista Jankowski
The Board of Ethics issued several advisory opinions regarding prohibited employment for spouses and restrictions on post-employment activities. The Board also adopted consent opinions for former officials and ruled on various financial disclosure late fee waivers.
- Ruled that Allison Jones cannot continue employment with St. Mary Parish Library once her father becomes Parish President
- Ruled that Laurie Friloux's employment with the Louisiana Military Department is prohibited once her husband becomes Adjutant General
- Ruled that John Scott Pousson's wife is prohibited from being a substitute teacher at DeQuincy Middle School while he is principal
- Approved lease renewal for Evangeline Parish Police Juror Timothy Lin Causey (5-1) provided he recuses himself from related matters
- Determined that Krista Jankowski is prohibited from assisting Arcadis in matters she participated in while at CPRA
- Adopted consent opinions and dismissed charges for Charles Abels, III, Virginia Sutton, and Betty Jackson
- Declined to waive late fees for Stacey Bush Morales, Edward Austin Lazarus, and John Keith Dallalio
- Suspended late fees based on future compliance for Ronald Weldon Seal, Tiffany J. Nelson, and LaTonya S. Charles
Board of Ethics
The Board will conduct executive sessions regarding several confidential complaints and litigation. Public business includes hearing various advisory opinion requests and considering numerous requests to waive campaign finance and personal financial disclosure late fees.
- Public Hearing: Jefferson Parish Fire Fighters Association - Local 1374 declaratory opinion
- Advisory Opinion: Thecla, LLC proposal for LULSTB remittance system
- Waiver Request: Kimberly Thomas $1,500 late fee
- Waiver Request: Daniel J. Walker $1,000 late fee
- Executive Session: Litigation involving Greg Gachassin and The Cartesian Company
The Board of Ethics issued several civil penalties for campaign finance disclosure failures and denied numerous requests to waive late fees. The Board also issued multiple advisory opinions regarding conflicts of interest for public servants.
- Assessed $30,000 total civil penalty against Reginald Merchant for failure to file campaign finance reports
- Assessed $10,000 civil penalty against Donald "D.T." Thompson for failure to file a 2020 supplemental report
- Assessed $10,000 civil penalty against G. Denise Dupree for failure to file a 2020 supplemental report
- Denied late fee waivers for Joyce Rene Austin Duffin and Kimberly Thomas
- Suspended late fee for Daniel J. Walker based on future compliance
- Ruled that Neal Poche, II is prohibited from employment with Green Point AG while serving on St. James Parish Council
- Ruled that the Code of Governmental Ethics does not prohibit Senator Barrow Peacock from executive branch employment
- Approved a disqualification plan for Dr. Darcey Wayment and spouse Xue-hui Wayment at Nicholls State University
Board of Ethics
The Board of Ethics is meeting to consider numerous requests to waive late fees for campaign finance and personal financial disclosure filings. The body will also issue advisory opinions on potential conflicts of interest and post-employment restrictions for public officials.
- Request to waive $18,000 in campaign finance late fees for Capitol Tiger PAC and Tanner Magee
- Advisory opinion on whether sports wagering license holders may make political contributions (Docket No. 23-671)
- Request to waive $3,000 campaign finance late fee for Ascension Parish Republican Executive Committee
- Advisory opinion on whether the City of Westwego may contract with Terracon while Mayor Robert Billiot Sr.'s son is an employee
- Consent opinion regarding former St. James Parish Transit mechanic Klay Becnel for using parish funds for personal use
The Board of Ethics issued various advisory opinions regarding conflicts of interest and post-employment restrictions. The Board also decided on numerous requests to waive or reduce campaign finance and financial disclosure late fees.
- Rescinded $10,000 late fee for Frank Scurlock (unanimous)
- Rescinded $2,500 late fee for Jean Paul “J.P.” Morrell (unanimous)
- Reduced three Capitol Tiger PAC late fees to $2,750, $2,000, and $2,500 (unanimous)
- Declined to waive late fees for Jarred M. Jupiter and Mary-Patricia Wray (unanimous)
- Suspended all but $100 of a $1,000 late fee for Dorothy Watkins (unanimous)
- Ruled that the Code of Governmental Ethics prohibits the St. Mary Parish Library from employing the daughter of the St. Mary Parish President (unanimous)
- Ruled that the Code of Governmental Ethics prohibits the promotion of Commissioners’ businesses by influencers hired by the West Feliciana Parish Tourist Commission (unanimous)
- Approved the 2024 meeting calendar with the addition of July 2, 2024 (unanimous)
Board of Ethics
The Board of Ethics is meeting to consider requests to waive late fees for campaign finance and personal financial disclosures. The body will also review several advisory opinion requests and consent opinions regarding ethics code violations.
- Request to waive $2,800 campaign finance late fee for NOLA Defenders for Equal Justice LLC
- Request to waive $3,000 campaign finance late fee for Jefferson Federation of Teachers Committee on Political Education
- Request to waive $2,500 personal financial disclosure late fee for John Edwards "Johnnie" Jorden
- Advisory opinion request from Veronica Arceneaux regarding purchase of remnant property from Lafayette Consolidated Government
- Advisory opinion request regarding whether Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District Commissioner Ray Charles Mayet must recuse himself from votes concerning GIS Engineering, LLC
The Board of Ethics issued several advisory opinions regarding post-employment and conflict-of-interest restrictions for public officials. It also adjudicated numerous requests for waivers of campaign finance and personal financial disclosure late fees, and adopted several consent opinions involving civil penalties.
- Reduced NOLA Defenders for Equal Justice LLC campaign finance late fee from $2,800 to $2,000
- Declined to waive campaign finance late fees for Judge Mark John Shea and Kim Segura Landry
- Ruled that post-employment restrictions do not apply to Jay Huckabee (State Plumbing Board)
- Ruled that the Code of Governmental Ethics does not prohibit Veronica Arceneaux from purchasing remnant property from Lafayette Consolidated Government
- Adopted consent opinions for Marla Muse-Morris ($35,781.25 penalty) and Christopher J. Tyson ($1,000 penalty)
- Adopted consent opinions for Teri Durst ($500 penalty) and Jenifer Guerrero ($3,000 penalty)
- Waived all late fees for deceased former Acadia Parish Police Jury member Jimmie Joseph Pellerin
- Ruled that the Code of Governmental Ethics prohibits F. Barry Marionneaux's employer from contracting with the Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District
Board of Ethics
The Board is meeting to consider numerous requests to waive campaign finance, lobbying, and personal financial disclosure late fees. The body will also issue advisory opinions on ethics code applicability for various public officials and employees.
- Request to waive $9,000 in campaign finance late fees for Paula PAC and Lew Love
- Request to waive $3,000 campaign finance late fee for Cleco PAC
- Request to waive $2,500 personal financial disclosure late fee for State Senator Patrick Moore McMath
- Advisory opinion on whether the Mayor of Krotz Springs can purchase property co-owned by himself and Aldermen
- Executive session regarding charges against Charles Abels, III (Docket No. 2019-131)
The Board of Ethics issued several advisory opinions on government ethics and conflict-of-interest rules. The Board also reviewed numerous requests to waive late fees for campaign and personal financial disclosures, denying most requests while granting a few reductions or suspensions.
- Reaffirmed decision to decline $800 late fee waiver for Stephanie Bridges
- Declined to waive three $3,000 late fees for Paula PAC and Lew Love
- Declined to waive $2,600 late fee for LA 360 PAC
- Reduced Democracy for LA late fee to $2,000 and declined further waiver
- Ruled that Steve Link's wife is prohibited from being a part-time tutor for the School Board (6-2)
- Suspended $1,500 late fee for Crystal Ellis based on future compliance
- Declined 18 separate personal financial disclosure late fee waivers
- Suspended four personal financial disclosure late fees based on future compliance
Board of Ethics
The Louisiana Board of Ethics meets July 6-7 to consider complaints, advisory opinions, and waiver requests. Key items include a request to reconsider a suspended late fee, a declaratory opinion on union-funded legal services, and multiple waiver requests for campaign finance and disclosure late fees. The board will also discuss changes to candidate report forms and waiver guidelines.
- Reconsideration of $1,500 late fee suspension for James Russell Fatic (Docket 21-551)
- Declaratory opinion on whether firefighter union can pay for legal services while officer serves on Civil Service Board (Docket 23-435)
- Reconsideration of advisory opinion on dual employment as pharmacist and pharmacy director (Docket 23-055)
- Discussion of changes to Candidate's Report form (Docket 23-339)
- Consideration of legislation enacted during 2023 Regular Session (Docket LEGISLA)
The Board of Ethics issued several advisory opinions regarding post-employment restrictions and conflicts of interest. The Board also processed numerous requests to waive or suspend late fees for financial and campaign disclosures, with some granted and others denied.
- Rescinded late fee for St. Tammany Community Action Agency (unanimous)
- Suspended $1,000 late fee for former Rep. Edward C. James, II (unanimous)
- Ruled that Louisiana Crime Victims Reparations Board members are prohibited from assisting clients for compensation in transactions involving the Board (unanimous)
- Suspended 2019 late fees and partially suspended 2020 fees for Martha Cazaubon (unanimous)
- Ruled that Tracy Girlinghouse may be employed as Chief of Staff to the Livingston Parish President after her council term (5-3)
- Adopted three proposed guidelines for Personal Financial Disclosure, Hospital Service District, and School Board Disclosure Waivers (unanimous)
- Declined to waive campaign finance late fees for Ian Cotten, Sandra Bailey-Simmons, Michael Hebert Jr., Drake H. Graves, David Tatman, David McDavid, and Wendy Williams Dupont (unanimous)
- Waived lobbying late fees for Sarah Perkins, Peyton Rose Michelle, Bill Robertson, and Matthew Byrd (unanimous)
Board of Ethics
The Louisiana Board of Ethics meets June 1-2 to consider numerous requests to waive campaign finance and personal financial disclosure late fees, along with advisory opinions on post-employment and outside work. The board will also hold an executive session to discuss confidential complaints and pending charges against Sean Wilson and Keith Schroth. A consent agenda includes opinions on alleged ethics violations by public officials.
- Reconsideration of denied waiver for $1,000 late fee against LA Loggers PAC (filed 5 days late)
- Reconsideration of denied waiver for $480 late fee against William Wallis, candidate for State Representative
- Advisory opinion on whether a former Livingston Parish council member can work for the parish president's administration
- Consent opinion regarding Alton McClinton, former Jefferson Parish inspector, for receiving value to ignore violations
- Discussion of proposed legislation for the 2023 Regular Legislative Session
The Board of Ethics issued several advisory opinions regarding post-employment and conflict-of-interest restrictions for public servants. The Board also processed numerous requests for campaign finance and personal financial disclosure late fee waivers, resulting in a mix of approvals, partial suspensions, and denials.
- Approved advisory opinion prohibiting Shavers-Whittle Construction, LLC from DOTD contracts subject to Section 24 supervision
- Ruled that post-employment restrictions for Dr. James Hussey (OBH/LDH) remain in effect for two years
- Prohibited Tempest Jackson from employment with Patterson Housing Authority due to daughter-in-law's role as commissioner
- Prohibited John James Clark from serving as Executive Director of ARBC during and for two years after board service
- Adopted consent opinions and civil penalties for Alton McClinton ($500), Fernest Martin ($500), and Gordon Atwell/Ashley van der Meulen ($1,500)
- Declined late fee waivers for candidates Jacob Oakley, Tyrin Truong, James Keith Bates, Betty Washington, and Mike Francis
- Suspended personal financial disclosure late fees for 16 individuals based on future compliance
- Declined personal financial disclosure late fee waivers for Phillip Michael Cavins, T. 'Dori' Telsee, and others
Board of Ethics
The Board will hold executive sessions to discuss confidential complaints and pending charges against Keith Schroth and Mark Savoie. The meeting also includes numerous requests to waive campaign finance, lobbying, and personal financial disclosure late fees.
- Executive session discussion of charges against Keith Schroth (Docket No. 2021-889)
- Executive session discussion regarding charges against Mark Savoie for violation of La. R.S. 42:1121
- Request to waive a $2,000 campaign finance late fee for Parry 'Matt' Thomas
- Request to waive $3,000 in campaign finance late fees for Burnell Tolbert
- Request to waive $6,000 in campaign finance late fees for Jordan Bridges
The Board of Ethics ruled on several advisory opinions regarding employment and financial disclosures. The Board also processed numerous requests to waive or reduce campaign finance and personal financial disclosure late fees.
- Declined to waive $2,000 campaign finance late fee for Parry Matthew Thomas
- Ruled Kyle Kennington and his wife must file annual financial disclosure statements
- Ruled Terrebonne Parish cannot advertise donations from Broussard and Dove law firm
- Reduced three campaign finance late fees for Burnell Tolbert to $400 each
- Adopted consent opinions for Derrell Martin ($1,000 penalty) and Darren Lewis ($1,500 penalty)
- Approved a disqualification plan for Special Assistant Parish Attorney Lisa Smith
- Suspended late fees for Kenneth Pickett, Sr. and Robert "Rob" Forshee based on future compliance
- Declined to waive $8,000 in campaign finance late fees for Jordan Bridges
Board of Ethics
The Board of Ethics is meeting to consider numerous advisory opinion requests regarding ethics code compliance, evaluate various late fee waiver requests for campaign finance and personal financial disclosures, and discuss confidential complaints in executive session.
- Review of campaign finance late fee waivers, including a $2,300 request from Richard Sanderson, II
- Review of personal financial disclosure late fee waivers, such as a $5,000 total request for Edwin Mark Shorty Jr.
- Advisory opinion request regarding a $5,000 cash prize for Cara Chance
- Advisory opinion request regarding contracts with Louisiana Housing Corporation for Steven Kennedy
- Waiver request for a $2,500 late fee from Trent Temples
The Board of Ethics issued multiple advisory opinions on post-employment and conflict-of-interest rules. It also decided on numerous requests to waive campaign finance and financial disclosure late fees, while adopting three consent opinions regarding ethics violations.
- Declined to waive $2,500 late fee for Trent Temples (unanimous)
- Suspended $720 campaign finance late fee for Bianca J. Vedell (unanimous)
- Ruled that post-employment rules do not prohibit Kathleen Berlin or Tom Dark from specific contracts (unanimous)
- Prohibited Lafayette Public Library Board President from awarding gift cards to staff (unanimous)
- Adopted consent opinion for Willie Scott Woods including $1,000 civil penalty (unanimous)
- Adopted consent opinion for Karen Carter Peterson including $27,900 civil penalty (unanimous)
- Declined to waive $2,500 late fee for Ron McMorris (7-1)
- Declined to waive $2,500 late fee for Jerry Lewis (6-2)
Board of Ethics
The Louisiana Board of Ethics meets over two days to consider complaints, charges, waiver requests for late fees, advisory opinions, and consent opinions. An executive session will discuss charges against Charles Abels III (Docket 2019-131) and Sean Wilson (Docket 2021-751). The board will also rule on numerous requests to waive campaign finance and personal financial disclosure late fees, and issue advisory opinions on post-employment and conflict-of-interest questions.
- Executive session on charges against Charles Abels III (Docket 2019-131) and Sean Wilson (Docket 2021-751)
- Waiver requests for campaign finance late fees, including $2,500 fee for Stephen J. Windhorst (Docket 22-934) and $6,000 total for Dadrius Lanus (Docket 22-910)
- Advisory opinion on post-employment restrictions for former GOHSEP employee (Docket 22-985) and former LSU Health Sciences Center employee (Docket 22-982)
- Consent opinion regarding Kemic Smothers for contract with charter school while brother was CEO (Docket 18-400)
- Discussion of dollar amount for food and drink limit that can be provided to a public servant per event (Docket RULE)
The Board of Ethics processed numerous requests for the waiver or reconsideration of campaign finance and financial disclosure late fees. It also issued several advisory opinions regarding post-employment restrictions and conflicts of interest for public officials. Additionally, the Board increased the per-event food and drink limit for public servants to $77.
- Increased food and drink limit for public servants to $77 per event effective July 1, 2023
- Assessed $10,000 civil penalty against Kenneth C. Payne for failure to file 2020 supplemental report
- Assessed $10,000 civil penalty against Bobby Holmes for failure to file 2020 supplemental report
- Suspended all late fees for Harold L. Stewart Jr. based on future compliance
- Rescinded $2,500 late fee for Tanner Magee
- Ruled that Morgan City Police Department cannot hire the Mayor's son-in-law
- Ruled that Snaps Textile Service LLC is prohibited from bidding on Franklin Parish School Board contracts
- Declined to waive campaign finance late fees for Chad Monceaux, Richard J. Smith Jr., and others
Board of Ethics
The Louisiana Board of Ethics meets Feb 2-3 to discuss confidential ethics complaints, advisory opinions on potential conflicts of interest, and numerous waiver requests for late fees. Notable items include a draft report on crypto-currency use under the Campaign Finance Disclosure Act, and advisory opinions on whether public bodies can contract with relatives or employees.
- Draft report on crypto-currency use under the Campaign Finance Disclosure Act (G18)
- Advisory opinion on whether Lake Charles Academy Foundation can contract with its employees (G1)
- Advisory opinion on Village of Athens contracting with sister of alderman (G4)
- Consideration of enhanced penalty for Reddex Washington Jr. for failure to file campaign finance report (G15)
- Waiver request for $50 late fee for Steven Adam Ducote's lobbying report (G19)
The Board of Ethics issued several advisory opinions on employment and contracting restrictions. It also assessed $20,000 in enhanced civil penalties for campaign finance disclosure failures and suspended various late fees for personal financial disclosures.
- Suspended $6,000 in late fees for Citizens for a Better Caddo, Inc. (unanimous)
- Ruled that three individuals are prohibited from contracting with Lake Charles Academy Foundation Inc. (unanimous)
- Ruled that the Lafayette City Marshal may employ his nephew (unanimous)
- Assessed $10,000 enhanced civil penalty against Reddex Washington, Jr. (unanimous)
- Assessed $10,000 enhanced civil penalty against Corey Smith (unanimous)
- Adopted a draft report on cryptocurrency use under the Campaign Finance Disclosure Act (unanimous)
- Suspended personal financial disclosure late fees for 25 individuals based on future compliance (unanimous)
- Affirmed decision to decline waiver of two $2,500 late fees for Charles Broussard (unanimous)
Board of Ethics
The Louisiana Board of Ethics will consider a request to reconsider a $6,000 campaign finance late fee against Citizens for a Better Caddo, Inc., and discuss charges against Lisa Cooper in executive session. The board will also hear advisory opinions on topics including service dog reimbursement for New Orleans EMS, nepotism, and post-employment restrictions, and vote on dozens of waiver requests for late fees.
- Reconsideration of $6,000 campaign finance late fee for Citizens for a Better Caddo PAC (Docket 22-261)
- Advisory opinion on whether New Orleans EMS can reimburse an employee for use of a service dog (Docket 22-665)
- Executive session discussion of charges against Lisa Cooper in Docket 2021-726
- Advisory opinion on Iberville Parish sheriff using campaign funds to buy a golf cart (Docket 22-893)
- Over 50 waiver requests for campaign finance and personal financial disclosure late fees
The Board issued multiple advisory opinions regarding the Code of Governmental Ethics and processed numerous campaign finance and personal financial disclosure late fee waivers. Several late fees were suspended based on future compliance, while others were declined or reduced.
- Ruled that NOEMS may reimburse an employee for an ADA compliant service dog
- Reduced Judge Stephen Dean's campaign finance late fee from $2,000 to $600
- Suspended all but $500 of Progressive Pelican PAC's 40-G late fee
- Suspended all but $2,000 of Community Organization for Urban Politics' late fee
- Ruled that Shannah Ellender-Yuratich may serve on BESE while employed by a Type 1 charter school
- Ruled that Rep. Larry Frieman must file disclosures if a mediator is employed by the Office of Workers Compensation Administration
- Suspended personal financial disclosure late fees for 38 individuals based on future compliance
- Declined to waive campaign finance late fees for Christopher J. Bridges, Brian Hammons, Emily Merckle, and William Wallis