NovusAGENDA

Meetings

Louisiana Board of Ethics
LaSalle Building
First Floor - LaBelle Room
MARCH 2, 2023
2:30 PM
617 North 3rd Street
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Note: Meetings begin on March 2, 2023 and continue to March 3, 2023.

Executive Session

Consideration of complaints and reports deemed confidential pursuant to Section 1141 of the Code of Governmental Ethics.

Discussion in Executive Session regarding charges issued against Charles Abels, III in Docket No. 2019-131.

Discussion in Executive Session regarding charges issued against Sean Wilson in Docket No. 2021-751.

Louisiana Board of Ethics
LaSalle Building
First Floor - LaBelle Room
MARCH 3, 2023
9:00 AM
617 North 3rd Street
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

GENERAL

Appearances

G1.	Docket No. 20-035 Waiver request submitted by Rana Ismail Ottallah, former member of the Commission for the Deaf, regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing her 2017 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 148 days late.

G2.

Docket No. 21-625
Untimely request that the Board reconsider its decision to suspend all but $500 of a $1,000 campaign finance late fee assessed against Raymond S. Childress, a successful candidate for District Judge, 22nd Judicial District Court, Division A, St. Tammany Parish, in the November 3, 2020 election, whose 30-P campaign finance disclosure report was filed 28 days late.

G3.	Docket No. 21-683 Waiver request submitted by Sam DiVittorio, Hammond City Council (Pop. 20,019)/ District 4 / Tangipahoa Parish, regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing his 2018 Tier 3 annual pfd 587 days late.

G4.

Docket No. 21-694
Request that the Board reconsider its decision to suspend all but $1,250 of a $2,500 late fee, based on future compliance, issued to Harold Stewart, Jr, successful candidate for City of Gonzales Council Member (Pop. 12,231) / Division C /Ascension Parish in the November 3, 2020 election, for filing his 2019 Tier 2 candidate pfd 308 days late and the Board's decision to decline to waive a $2500 late fee assessed for filing his 2019 Tier 2 Annual pfd 308 days late.

G5.

Docket No. 22-934
Request that the Board waive the $2,500 campaign finance late fee assessed against Stephen J. "Steve" Windhorst, an unopposed candidate for Judge, Court of Appeal, 5th Circuit, 1st Dist., Sec. 1, Division E, in the November 8, 2022 election, whose 180-P campaign finance disclosure report was filed 92 days late.

Consent Agenda and Consent Opinions

G6.	Docket No. 22-895 Advisory opinion request regarding whether Stephanie Cormane's family business, Cormane's Sewer Systems LLC, may transact business with Northwestern State University while she is employed in the Accounting and Reporting Department at Northwestern State University.

G7.	Docket No. 22-982 Advisory Opinion request regarding whether Patsy Jarreau can contract with the Louisiana Board of Medical Examiners after retirement from the LSU Health Sciences Center.

G8.	Docket No. 22-985 Advisory Opinion request regarding whether a former employee of GOHSEP can start a company offering emergency planning consulting.

G9.	Docket No. 22-986 Advisory opinion request regarding whether the post-employment provisions in the Code of Governmental Ethics ("Code") prohibit the appointment of former Calcasieu Parish School Board member Mack Dellafosse to the Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority.

G10.	Docket No. 22-993 A Request for Approval of a Disqualification Plan, submitted by Matthew R. Lee of the LSU AgCenter, concerning spouses Hilton Waits and Shannan Waits.

G11.	Docket No. 22-995 Withdrawal of a Request for an Advisory Opinion, submitted by R. DeMale Bowden, Jr., CFSP, CCSP.

G12.	Docket No. 22-996 Advisory Opinion request from Melissa Davis, Town Clerk for the Town of Rosepine (Pop. 1,519) in Vernon Parish, regarding her future marriage to Public Works Director Mike Numbers.

G13.	Docket No. 22-997 Advisory Opinion request from Morgan City Police Department regarding the potential hire of the Mayor's son-in-law.

G14.	Docket No. 22-1003 Request for approval of a disqualification plan involving the Superintendent of Natchitoches Parish Schools.

G15.	Docket No. 22-1004 Advisory Opinion request from Jon Guice on behalf of Franklin Parish School Board Superintendent John Gullatt regarding his son's company bidding on transactions with the Franklin Parish School Board.

G16.

Docket No. 22-1005
A Request for Advisory Opinion, submitted by Donald A. Daigle (the Wastewater Supervisor for the City of Alexandria), concerning whether the Louisiana Code of Governmental Ethics ("Code") would prohibit you from providing drafting services to residential developers, commercial developers, and engineers both in and outside of Alexandria, while you continue to serve as the Wastewater Superintendent for the City of Alexandria.

G17.	Docket No. 22-1006 Advisory Opinion Request from Town of Glenmora, relating to the wife of the Fire Chief being elected Alderwoman for the Town.

G18.	Docket No. 22-1007 Advisory opinion request regarding whether the Code of Governmental Ethics ("Code") prohibits the Center for Literacy and Learning ("CLL") from contracting with the Washington Parish School System while Dr. John Wyble serves as the President of the School Board.

G19.	Docket No. 23-002 Advisory Opinion request regarding the Chairwoman of Lafayette City Council proposing an ordinance that is the subject of litigation involving the law firm that employs her son.

G20.

Docket No. 23-005
A Request for an Advisory Opinion, submitted by Rob McCorquodale, concerning whether the Louisiana Code of Governmental Ethics ("Code") would prohibit him from providing legal services to the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office through a law firm after retiring as the in-house counsel for the CPSO.

G21.

Docket No. 23-022
A Request for an Advisory Opinion, submitted by Capt. Chad Guidry of the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab, concerning whether the Louisiana Code of Governmental Ethics ("Code") prohibits Supervisor Michele Smith from providing outside forensic consulting services while a civilian employee of the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab ("LSPCL").

G22.	Docket No. 23-023 Advisory opinion request from Robin Wagner, former Assistant Deputy Secretary for Office of Aging and Adult Services for the Louisiana Department of Health, related to post-employment restrictions.

G23.	Docket No. 23-024 Advisory Opinion request regarding Ronnie Dees, former member of the Board of Aldermen for the City of Springhill, rendering towing services to the Springhill Police Department.

G24.	Docket No. 23-054 Advisory Opinion request regarding members of the Church Point Housing Authority Board of Commissioners also serving as elected members of the Board of Aldermen for the Town of Church Point (Pop. 4,179) in Acadia Parish.

G25.	Docket No. 23-056 Advisory Opinion request from Jacques Roy, Mayor for the City of Alexandria, regarding the continued lease of office space for his private law firm.

G26.	Docket No. 23-057 A Request for an Advisory Opinion, submitted by Robert L. Allain, III, concerning whether the Louisiana Code of Governmental Ethics ("Code") prohibits his company - Integrity Marine LLC - from entering into contracts with various political subdivisions.

G27.	Docket No. 23-059 Advisory opinion request regarding whether the Code of Governmental Ethics prohibits Plaquemines Parish Councilman Patricia L. McCarthy from hiring Dale Adams while he serves as an appointed member of the Board of Commissioners of the Plaquemines Medical Center.

G28.	Docket No. 23-067 Advisory Opinion request from Marshall Hevron on behalf of Sharon Clark, Charter Director of Sophie B. Wright High School in New Orleans, regarding her possible election as a member of the La. Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE).

Disclosure Reports

G29.	Docket No. 22-763 PFD answer filed by an attorney on behalf of Janet K Jones, former member of the Natchitoches Levee and Drainage District, regarding her receipt of a NOD requesting she file a 2020 Tier 2.1 annual pfd.

Regular Business

G30.	Docket No. MINUTES February 2023 Board Minutes

G31.	Docket No. 18-400 Consent Opinion regarding Kemic Smothers, entering into a contract with Smothers Academy, a Louisiana charter school, while his brother, Damon Smothers, served as Chief Executive Officer of Smothers Academy.

G32.	Docket No. 19-473 Consent Opinion regarding Nina Burage, former 19th JDC Drug Court employee, regarding her receipt of money from a drug court participant.

G33.	Docket No. 21-230 Consent Opinion for David Wallace, Sarah Wallace and Mary Jean Wallace related to violation of La. R.S. 42:1119A and La. R.S. 42:1112B(1).

G34.

Docket No. 22-467
Consideration of the assessment of the enhanced penalty pursuant to La. R.S. 18:1505.4A(4)(b) for Kenneth C. Payne, candidate for Chief of Police, City of Plaquemine, Iberville Parish, in the October 24, 2015 election, for his failure to file a 2020 supplemental campaign finance disclosure report.

G35.	Docket No. 23-018 Advisory opinion request from the St. Tammany Recreation District #4 (District) regarding whether they are prohibited by the Code of Governmental Ethics ("Code") from entering into transactions with board member Jimmy Laurent's daughter.

G36.	Docket No. RULE Memorandum concerning the dollar amount for the food and drink limit that can be provided to a public servant per event.

G37. WAIVER REQUESTS - CAMPAIGN FINANCE

Docket No. 22-901
Request that the Board waive the $1,000 campaign finance late fee assessed against Chad Monceaux, a successful candidate for Mayor, City of Crowley, Acadia Parish, November 8, 2022 election, whose 2021 Annual campaign finance disclosure report was filed 119 days late.

Docket No. 22-902
Request that the Board waive the $1,000 campaign finance late fee assessed against Ronald Gaspard, unsuccessful candidate for Chief of Police, City of Abbeville (Pop 11,048), Vermilion Parish, in the March 26, 2022 election, whose 10-G campaign finance disclosure report was filed 84 days late.

Docket No. 22-903
Request that the Board waive the $1,000 campaign finance late fee assessed against Richard J. "Rick" Smith, Jr., an unsuccessful candidate for Mayor, City of Covington, St. Tammany Parish, in the March 30, 2019 election, whose 10-G campaign finance disclosure report was filed 300 days late, AND the $280 campaign finance late fee assessed against Richard J. "Rick" Smith, Jr., a successful candidate for Councilman at Large, City of Covington, St. Tammany Parish, in the July 11, 2020 election, whose 2021 Supplemental campaign finance disclosure report was filed 7 days late.

Docket No. 22-904
Request that the Board waive a $520 campaign finance late fee assessed against William E. "Bill" Willson, unopposed candidate for Member of School Board, District 3, City of Monroe, Ouachita Parish, in the November 8, 2022 election, whose 30-P campaign finance disclosure report was filed 13 days late.

Docket No. 22-905
Request that the Board waive a $1,000 campaign finance late fee assessed against Billy Joe Williams, an unsuccessful candidate for Chief of Police, City of Winnsboro (Population 4,824), Franklin Parish, in the March 26, 2022 election, whose 40-G campaign finance disclosure report was filed 33 days late.

Docket No. 22-906
Request that the Board waive a $2,000 campaign finance late fee assessed against Derrick "Digger" Earles, a successful candidate for City Judge, City Court, City of Bunkie, Avoyelles Parish, in the November 3, 2020 election, whose 2021 Supplemental campaign finance disclosure report was filed 129 days late.

Docket No. 22-907
Request that the Board waive the $1,800 campaign finance late fee assessed against Dalton Honore, an unsuccessful candidate for State Representative, 63rd Representative District in the October 12, 2019 election, whose 2020 Supplemental campaign finance disclosure report was filed 30 days late.

Docket No. 22-909
Request that the Board waive the $480 campaign finance late fee assessed against Paula D. Spikes Piper, an unsuccessful candidate for Councilmen at Large, City of DeRidder, Beauregad/Vernon Parishes, in the March 26, 2022 election, whose 10-G campaign finance disclosure report was filed 12 days late.

Docket No. 22-910
Request that the Board waive the three (3) $2,000 for a total of $6,000 campaign finance late fees assessed against Dadrius "D20" Lanus, an unsuccessful candidate for Council Member, Metro District 5, East Baton Rouge Parish, in the March 26, 2022 election, whose 30-P, 10-P and 10-G campaign finance disclosure reports were filed 145, 125 and 90 days late, respectively.

Docket No. 22-911
Request that the Board waive the two (2) $1,000 for a total of $2,000 campaign finance late fees assessed against Garland Brossette, a successful candidate for Mayor, Town of Colfax (Population 1,419), Grant Parish, in the March 26, 2022 election, whose 30-P and 10-P campaign finance disclosure reports were filed 90 and 70 days late, respectively.

Docket No. 22-935
Request that the Board waive the $2,500 campaign finance late fee assessed against Tanner Magee, an unsuccessful candidate for Judge, Court of Appeal, 1st Circuit, 1st Dist., Division D, in the November 8, 2022 election, whose 180-P campaign finance disclosure report was filed 103 days late.

Docket No. 22-936
Request that the Board waive the $2,500 campaign finance late fee assessed against Guy E. Bradberry, a successful candidate for Judge, Court of Appeal, 3rd Circuit, 2nd Dist., Sec. 2B in the November 8, 2022 election, and his committee's chairperson, Russell J. Stutes, Jr., whose 180-P campaign finance disclosure report was filed 82 days late.

Docket No. 22-937
Request that the Board waive the $60 campaign finance late fee assessed against Jules R. Green, an unsuccessful candidate for Councilman at Large, City of Alexandria, Rapides Parish, in the November 8, 2022, whose 30-P campaign finance disclosure report was filed 1 day late.

Docket No. 22-938
Request that the Board waive the $1,000 campaign finance late fee assessed against Dorothy Ann Watkins, a successful candidate for Member of School Board, District 8, Zachary Community in the November 4, 2014 election, whose 2017 Supplemental campaign finance disclosure has not been filed.

G38. WAIVER REQUESTS - LOBBYING

Docket No. 23-042
Request to waive the $650 late fee assessed against Jacob Thomas for the late filing of his November 2022 Lobbying Expenditure Report.

G39. WAIVER REQUESTS - PERSONAL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

Docket No. 22-604
Waiver request submitted by Archie Lee Turner, Jr., Alderman, Waterproof (Pop. 688)/ Tensas Parish, regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing his amended 2018 Tier 3 annual pfd 403 days late and a $1500 late fee assessed for filing his amended 2019 Tier 3 annual pfd 298 days late.

Docket No. 22-655
Waiver request submitted by Thomas A. "Red" Tiffee, Sr., a former member of the Concordia Parish Police Jury, District 5B, regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing his 2019 Tier 3 annual pfd 377 days late and a $500 late fee assessed for filing his 2020 Tier 3 annual pfd 25 days late.

Docket No. 22-868
Waiver request submitted by Elvadus Fields, Jr., the former Mayor of St. Joseph (Pop. 831)/Tensas Parish, regarding a $500 late fee assessed for filing his 2020 Tier 3 annual pfd 135 days late.

Docket No. 22-869
Waiver request submitted by Ned Anthony Pitre, a member of the Employees Retirement System of Jefferson Parish, regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing his 2020 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 48 days late.

Docket No. 22-871
Waiver request submitted by Ralph Keith Broussard, a former member of the Opelousas Downtown Development District, regarding a $1100 late fee assessed for filing his amended 2019 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 22 days late.

Docket No. 22-872
Waiver request submitted by Amy Leigh Williams Brewer, candidate for Coroner / Grant Parish in the November 3, 2020 election, regarding a $2100 late fee assessed for filing her amended 2019 Tier 2 candidate pfd 21 days late.

Docket No. 22-873
Waiver request submitted by Susan M. Saunders, a former member of the Louisiana State Board of Nursing, regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing her 2019 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 169 days late.

Docket No. 22-874
Waiver request submitted by Joseph S. Difatta, Jr., a member of the St. Bernard Parish Housing Redevelopment and Quality of Life Commission, regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing his 2019 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 252 days late.

Docket No. 22-875
Waiver request submitted by Wanda Yevette Brock, a former member of the Northwest Louisiana Human Services District, regarding a $300 late fee assessed for filing her 2020 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 6 days late.

Docket No. 22-876
Waiver request submitted by Alton Oliver Sartor, a member of the Cancer and Lung Trust Fund, regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing his 2019 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 319 days late.

Docket No. 22-877
Waiver request submitted by Claudia Shabetai, a member of the Jefferson Parish Council on Aging, regarding a $300 late fee assessed for filing her 2020 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 6 days late.

Docket No. 22-939
Waiver request submitted by Kyle C. Boss, St. Landry Parish School Board, District 8, regarding a $2500 late fee assessed for filing his 2020 Tier 2 annual pfd 34 days late.

Docket No. 22-941
Waiver request submitted by Darlene Lirette Cheramie, Lafourche Constable, 4th Justice of the Peace Court, regarding a $2500 late fee assessed for filing her 2020 Tier 2 annual pfd 183 days late.

Docket No. 22-942
Waiver request submitted by Wanda S. Bennett, a former member of the Bossier Parish Police Jury, District 3, regarding a $2500 late fee assessed for filing her 2019 Tier 2 annual pfd 618 days late and a $2500 late fee assessed for filing her 2020 Tier 2 annual pfd 163 days late.

Docket No. 22-943
Waiver request submitted by Donald Paul Schwab Sr., a former member of the Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District, regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing his 2020 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 47 days late.

Docket No. 22-946
Waiver request submitted by Kristi Miller Copeland, Northwest Human Services District, regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing her 2020 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 253 days late.

Docket No. 22-947
Waiver request submitted by Jennifer Moody Manning, a member of the State Board of Nursing, regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing her amended 2019 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 92 days late.

Docket No. 22-950
Waiver request submitted by David D. Daly, Jr. M.D., a former member of the Louisiana Emergency Response Network Board (LERN), regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing his 2020 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 94 days late.

Docket No. 22-951
Waiver request submitted by Stanley Paul Brien, a member of the Lakefront Management Authority, Orleans Parish, regarding a $1100 late fee assessed for filing his 2020 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 22 days late.

Docket No. 22-952
Waiver request submitted by Afranie Adomako, a former member of the Firefighters Retirement Board, Louisiana State Employee Retirement System (LASERS), Louisiana Transportation Authority, and Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation Board, regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing his 2020 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 75 days late.

Docket No. 22-953
Waiver request submitted by Cory Willis Dawsey, a member of the Louisiana Board of Barber Examiners, regarding a $50 late fee assessed for filing his 2020 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 1 day late.

Docket No. 22-957
Waiver request submitted by Sharon Watts Browning, Central Community School Board, District 7, East Baton Rouge Parish, regarding a $500 late fee assessed for filing her 2020 Tier 3 annual pfd 147 days late.

Docket No. 22-959
Waiver request submitted by Emily Jackson-Osagie, Inspire Academy Charter School, regarding a $500 late fee assessed for filing her amended 2020 Tier 3 annual pfd 136 days late.

Docket No. 22-960
Waiver request submitted by Kanisha "Pumpie" Potier, Parks Board of Alderman (Pop. 640), St. Martin Parish, regarding a $500 late fee assessed for filing her 2020 Tier 3 annual pfd 49 days late.

Docket No. 22-961
Waiver request submitted by Claude "Clyde" Wiggins, Gramercy Board of Aldermen (Pop. 2,932), Member at Large, St. James Parish, regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing his 2019 Tier 3 annual pfd 75 days late.

Docket No. 22-1008
Waiver request submitted by Angela Reynaud, a former member of the Cajun Coast Visitors & Convention Board, regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing her 2020 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 294 days late.

Docket No. 22-1009
Waiver request submitted by Alejandra Guzman-Barraza, a member of the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board, regarding a $600 late fee assessed for filing her amended 2019 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 12 days late.

G40. WAIVER REQUESTS - HOSPITAL DISCLOSURE

Docket No. 22-870
Waiver request submitted by Malcom Lee Wascom, Washington Parish Hospital Service District, regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing his 2021 Hospital Service District / Public Trust Authority Disclosure 47 days late.

G41. WAIVER REQUESTS - UNTIMELY

Docket No. 22-624
Waiver request submitted by Bryan Keith "Keko" Whittle, Sr., a candidate for Harahan City Council, Jefferson Parish in the November 6, 2018 election, regarding a $2500 late fee assessed for failing to file his amended 2017 Tier 2 candidate.

Docket No. 22-879
Waiver request submitted by Henry Charles Cotton, a candidate for Mayor of Bastrop (Pop. 9,691), Morehouse Parish, in the March 20, 2021 election, regarding a $2500 late fee assessed for filing his amended 2020 Tier 2 candidate pfd 103 days late.

Docket No. 22-880
Waiver request submitted by Matthew Joseph Ford, Terrebonne Parish School Board, District 3, regarding a $2500 late fee assessed for filing his amended 2018 Tier 2 annual pfd 725 days late and a $2500 late fee assessed for filing his amended 2019 Tier 2 annual pfd 82 days late.

Docket No. 22-949
Waiver request submitted by Michael Louis Guinn, a member of the Auctioneers Licensing Board, regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing his amended 2019 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 85 days late and regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing his 2020 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 58 days late.

Docket No. 22-954
Waiver request submitted by Carla Shorty, Crime Victims Reparations Board, regarding a $200 late fee assessed for filing her amended 2019 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 4 days late.

Docket No. 22-955
Waiver request submitted by LaShaunda Pickett-Rene, New Harmony High Charter School, regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing her 2018 Tier 3 annual pfd 288 days late.

Docket No. 22-956
Waiver request submitted by Larry James Doyle, New Vision Learning Academy Charter School, regarding a $500 late fee assessed for filing his 2020 Tier 3 annual pfd 176 days late.

Docket No. 22-962
Untimely waiver request submitted by Christopher S. "Washington" Thomas, candidate for Alderman City of Mansfield (Pop. 4,714), Desoto Parish, in the March 26, 2022 election, regarding a $500 late fee assessed for filing his 2021 Tier 3 candidate pfd 40 days late and a timely waiver request regarding a $75 late assessed for filing his amended 2021 Tier 3 candidate pfd 3 days late.

Docket No. 22-998
Waiver request submitted by Brent Ballard, a candidate for Alderman, Town of Killian (Pop. 1,177), Livingston Parish in the November 8, 2022 election, regarding a $500 late fee assessed for filing his 2021 Tier 3 candidate pfd 63 days late.

G42. WAIVER REQUESTS - RECONSIDERATIONS

Docket No. 21-631
Request that the Board reconsider its decision to reduce to $2,000 and decline to waive a $2,400 campaign finance late fee assessed against Louisiana Common Sense Fund - IE, a political committee, and its committee's chairperson and treasurer, Steve Verzwyvelt, in the November 3, 2020 election, whose 10-G campaign finance disclosure report was filed 12 days late.

Docket No. 21-735
Request to reconsider the Board's decision to suspend all but $1,000 of a $2,500 late fee submitted by John Campbell, an unsuccessful candidate for Terrebonne Parish Council, District 2 in the October 12, 2019 election, for filing his amended 2018 Tier 2 candidate pfd 585 days late.

Docket No. 22-536
Request that the Board reconsider its decision to decline to waive a $1,400 campaign finance late fee assessed against Desoto Parish Republican Executive Committee, a political committee, its committee's chairperson, Layne Huckabay, and treasurer, Hannah G. Touchton, whose 2020 Annual campaign finance disclosure report was filed 7 days late.

Docket No. 22-827
Request that the Board reconsider its decision to decline to waive the $1,000 campaign finance late fee assessed against Christopher Williams, an unsuccessful candidate for Sheriff, Orleans Parish, in the November 13, 2021 election, whose 2021 campaign finance disclosure report was filed 10 days late.