Meetings
 
Louisiana Board of Ethics
 LaSalle Building
First Floor - LaBelle Room
APRIL 4, 2024
2:30 PM
617 North 3rd Street
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Note: Meetings begin on April 4, 2024 and continue to April 5, 2024.

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

Louisiana Board of Ethics
LaSalle Building
First Floor - LaBelle Room
APRIL 5, 2024
9:00 AM
617 North 3rd Street
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

GENERAL
Appearances
G1. Docket No. 24-032
Request that the Board waive the $1,000, $520 & $240 campaign finance late fees ($1,760 total) assessed against Samuel Pearce, a successful candidate for Police Juror, District 8, Avoyelles Parish in the October 14, 2023 election, whose 30-P, 10-P and 10-G campaign finance disclosure reports were filed 61, 13 & 6 days late, respectively.
G2. Docket No. 24-136
Advisory Opinion request on behalf of Tommy Cvitanovich, an appointed member of the La Stadium & Exposition District, in connection with the Zurich Classic held at TPC Louisiana Golf Course.
G3. Docket No. 24-162
Advisory Opinion request from Mace Bourgeois on behalf of Fire & Safety Commodities regarding the continuation of a contract with the State of Louisiana while his wife, Susan Bourgeois, serves as Secretary for the Department of Economic Development.
Consent Agenda and Consent Opinions
G4. Docket No. 23-879
Request for an advisory opinion regarding whether the Code of Governmental Ethics ("Code") permits Benjamin Walker to write active shooter response plans and conduct training for Louisiana parishes while still employed with the Terrebonne Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
G5. Docket No. 23-937
Advisory opinion request regarding the post-employment restrictions for Vivek Shah, a New Orleans Regional Transit Authority employee.
G6. Docket No. 23-968
Advisory Opinion request regarding whether the Code of Governmental Ethics ("Code") permits BCB Architects LLC to contract with the West Baton Rouge School Board while Matthew Daigrepont serves as a member of the West Baton Rouge School Board.
G7. Docket No. 23-1006
Advisory opinion request from a member of the Louisiana Rice Promotion Board regarding whether certain transactions create conflicts of interest under the Code of Governmental Ethics (the "Code").
G8. Docket No. 23-1083
Advisory Opinion request on behalf of the City of Opelousas as to a possible consulting contract with former City Treasurer Stephen Woods.
G9. Docket No. 24-004
Advisory opinion regarding whether the Code of Governmental Ethics permits the appointment of Brian Brown to the Cameron Parish Waterworks District No. 2 ("Waterworks District") while his father's store provides services to the Waterworks District.
G10. Docket No. 24-005
Advisory Opinion Request from Mary Sliman, on behalf of Lafayette Consolidated Government Community Development and Planning Department ("CDP"), as to whether CDP may allocate federal grant money to a non-profit organization which has employees of Lafayette Consolidated Government ("LCG") as its officers.
G11. Docket No. 24-009
Advisory Opinion request from Coley Johnson, former employee of the Dept. of Transportation and Development, regarding post employment restrictions.
G12. Docket No. 24-021
Request for an advisory opinion regarding whether the Code of Governmental Ethics ("Code") permits Leon Spears to contract with Louisiana state agencies to provide First Aid and CPR training services.
G13. Docket No. 24-023
Advisory Opinion request from The Villavaso Group LLC regarding the hiring of an appointed member of the Lincoln Beach Community Advisory Committee to work on a subcontract for the City of New Orleans.
G14. Docket No. 24-044
Advisory Opinion request from Antonette Cannon, an employee of the Calcasieu Parish School Board, regarding her providing dyslexia evaluations to private school students.
G15. Docket No. 24-045
Advisory Opinion request from Deon Boudreaux, Chief of Police for the Town of Port Barre, regarding his nephew working as an unpaid intern for the Police Department.
G16. Docket No. 24-046
Advisory Opinion request from Amelia Pellegrin, a former employee of the Port of New Orleans, regarding her providing contracted assistance to the Port.
G17. Docket No. 24-047
Advisory Opinion request from Clarence Copeland, Executive Director of the Louisiana Educational Television Authority, regarding the possible employment of Shauna Sanford, a former employee of the Office of the Governor.
G18. Docket No. 24-049
Advisory Opinion request regarding participation issues surrounding an application for rezoning in Jennings.
G19. Docket No. 24-053
Advisory Opinion request from Adam Chauvin on behalf of Trinity Education Services LLC entering into an internship agreement with Lafourche Ambulance Service District No. 1.
G20. Docket No. 24-054
Request for an advisory opinion regarding whether the Code of Governmental Ethics ("Code") permits Tonya Wiltz to sell insurance policies to public employees while also serving as an employee of the Louisiana Department of Education.
G21. Docket No. 24-055
Advisory Opinion Request from Becky Toups, Director of Lafourche Parish Recreation District No. 1 regarding dual officeholding.
G22. Docket No. 23-946
Advisory Opinion request regarding the son of an EBR Council woman working for the St. George Fire Department.
G23. Docket No. 24-022
Advisory opinion request from Warren Kron, former employee of Baton Rouge City-Parish Government, related to post employment restrictions.
G24. Docket No. 24-072
Advisory Opinion Request from Edward V. Lepre, Chief of Harahan Police Department, regarding the ownership and operation of a private business.
G25. Docket No. 24-073
Advisory Opinion request from Benjamin Clay, an elected member of the St. Martin Parish Council, regarding his employment with Electronic Protection Systems LLC.
G26. Docket No. 24-087
Advisory opinion request from Francis Keller regarding his continued receipt of waste tires from the Avoyelles Parish Police Jury if he is appointed to the Planning Commission by the Police Jury.
G27. Docket No. 24-088
Advisory opinion request from Rep. Michael Melerine, State Representative, 6th District, relating to service on a non-profit board.
G28. Docket No. 24-094
Advisory opinion request regarding the appointment of the Cameron Parish Coroner to the Lower Cameron Hospital Board by the Cameron Parish Police Jury.
G29. Docket No. 24-095
Request for an advisory opinion regarding whether the Code of Governmental Ethics ("Code") permits Darrell Moore to provide engineering services to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development after retirement from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.
G30. Docket No. 24-096
Advisory Opinion request from Sandra Walker, an employee of the Monroe Police Department, regarding the donation of items by a reserve officer.
G31. Docket No. 24-105
Advisory Opinion request from Brandon Golson on behalf of Community Steel Company LLC, regarding the employment of Stacey Cointment, the wife of Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment.
G32. Docket No. 24-107
Disqualification Plan request from Sid. J. Gautreaux, on behalf of East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office, relating to Major Frederick Thomas and his son, Sgt. Travis Thomas.
G33. Docket No. 24-108
Advisory opinion request regarding the receipt of a meal voucher from a vendor to attend a virtual lunch and learn.
G34. Docket No. 24-117
Request for an advisory opinion regarding whether the Code of Governmental Ethics ("Code") permits members of the Louisiana State Board of Examiners for Sanitarians ("LSBES") to receive payment for services to handle the administrative duties of LSBES.
G35. Docket No. 24-118
Advisory Opinion request from Angela Washington, an employee of the Louisiana Department of Education, regarding outside employment restrictions.
G36. Docket No. 24-128
Advisory opinion request from Alison Saunders, a former employee of the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development, involving post-employment restrictions.
G37. Docket No. 24-135
Advisory Opinion request from Dana Hunter, former employee of the Governor's Office of Programs and Planning, regarding post-employment restrictions in her potential employment with Louisiana Alliance for Children's Advocacy Centers.
G38. Docket No. 24-192
Request for an advisory opinion regarding whether the Code of Governmental Ethics ("Code") permits Famous Flowers & Gifts to do business with Stanley High School and Logansport High School while one of the owner's wife is employed by Stanley High School and one of the owner's sister is employed by Logansport High School.
G39. Docket No. 24-213
Advisory Opinion Request from Julie B. Distefano regarding attorney ethics.
Disclosure Reports
G40. Docket No. 24-101
Untimely PFD Answer regarding whether members of the Vermilion Charter Academy School Board are required to file 2020 and 2021 Tier 3 PFDs.
Regular Business
G41. Docket No. MINUTES
February 2024 Board Minutes
G42. Docket No. MINUTES
March 2024 Board Minutes
G43. Docket No. 17-1404
Consent opinion for Brian Pope, former Lafayette City Marshal, related to violation of Section 1111A and Section 1112A.
G44. Docket No. 21-144
Consent Opinion for George Shaw related to his prohibited contract with the Town of Cotton Valley (Pop. 1,009).
G45. Docket No. 24-074
Petition for Rulemaking to clarify that R.S. 18:1463(C)(4) of the Election Code prohibiting misrepresentations in political materials applies to deceptive AI campaign communications.
G46. Docket No. RULE
Memorandum concerning the dollar amount for the food and drink limit that can be provided to a public servant per event.
G47. Docket No. PACRule
Consideration of a draft of Rules for the Louisiana Board of Ethics concerning expenditures made by political committees.
G48. Docket No. 24LEGIS
Consideration of legislation introduced in connection with the 2024 Regular Legislative Session.
G49.   WAIVER REQUESTS - CAMPAIGN FINANCE
  Docket No. 23-1087
Request that the Board waive the $760 campaign finance late fee assessed against Darrell R. Sinagra, a successful candidate for Councilman, District 1, Tangiphoa Parish in the October 14, 2023 election, whose 30-P campaign finance disclosure report was filed 19 days late, respectively.
  Docket No. 23-1088
Request that the Board waive the $280 campaign finance late fee assessed against Phillip D. "David" Ridder, Jr, an unsuccessful candidate for Councilman, District 4, Tangipahoa Parish, in the October 14, 2023 election, whose 30-P campaign finance disclosure report was filed 7 days late.
  Docket No. 23-1090
Request that the Board waive the $360.00 campaign finance late fee assessed against Lazelle Phillips Roy, an unsuccessful candidate for Council Member, Town of Melville in the November 8, 2022 election, whose 10-G campaign finance disclosure report was filed 9 days late.
  Docket No. 23-1091
Request that the Board waive the $420.00 campaign finance late fee assessed against Joshua Cathedralle Lewis, an unsuccessful candidate for State Senator, 25th Senatorial District in the October 14, 2023 election, whose 10-P campaign finance disclosure report was filed 7 days late.
  Docket No. 24-011
Request that the Board waive the $1,000 campaign finance late fee assessed against Brien K. Pledger, a successful candidate for Council Member, District 1, Terrebonne Parish, in the March 25, 2023 election, whose 10-G campaign finance disclosure report was filed 248 days late.
  Docket No. 24-035
Request that the Board waive the three (3) $2,500 campaign finance late fees ($7,500 total) assessed against Jeffry Lamonte Sanford, an unsuccessful candidate for Sheriff, East Baton Rouge Parish, in the October 14, 2023 election, whose 30-P, 10-P and 10-G campaign finance disclosure reports were not filed.
  Docket No. 24-036
Request that the Board waive the $2,500 campaign finance late fee assessed against Kevin Guitterrez, who did not qualify as a candidate for BESE, District 1, Jefferson Parish in the October 14, 2023 election, whose 30-P campaign finance disclosure report was filed 96 days late.
  Docket No. 24-038
Request that the Board waive the $780 campaign finance late fee assessed against Oneal P. Mills, Sr., an unsuccessful candidate for Assumption Parish Sheriff in the October 14, 2023 election, whose 30-P campaign finance disclosure report was filed 13 days late.
  Docket No. 24-040
Request that the Board waive the $420 and $540 campaign finance late fees ($960 total) assessed against Charles E. Marsala, a successful candidate for State Representative, 94th Representative District, Jefferson & Orleans Parish in the October 14, 2023 election, whose 30-P and 10-G campaign finance disclosure reports were filed 7 & 9 days late, respectively.
  Docket No. 24-058
Request that the Board waive the $300.00 and $120.00 campaign finance late fees ($420.00 total) assessed against David "Dave" Carskadon, an unsuccessful candidate for State Senator, 20th Senatorial District, in the October 14, 2023 election, whose 30-P and 10-P campaign finance disclosure reports were filed 5 and 2 days late, respectively.
  Docket No. 24-098
Request that the Board waive the $540.00 campaign finance late fee assessed against Kevin Bates, an unsuccessful candidate for State Representative, 20th Representative District in the October 14, 2023 election, whose 10-G campaign finance disclosure report was filed 9 days late.
  Docket No. 24-099
Request that the Board waive the $480.00 campaign finance late fee assessed against Todd Gaspard, an unsuccessful candidate for Sheriff, Avoyelles Parish, in the October 14, 2023 election, whose 10-G campaign finance disclosure report was filed 8 days late.
  Docket No. 24-109
Request that the Board waive a $3,000 campaign finance late fee assessed against Jay for LA PAC, a political action committee and its committee's chairperson, W. Jay Luneau, in the October 14, 2023 election, whose 30-P campaign finance disclosure report was filed 15 days late.
  Docket No. 24-110
Request that the Board waive the $3,000.00 campaign finance late fee assessed against House Democratic Campaign Comm. of the State Central Comm. of LA, a political action committee and its committee's chairperson, Sam Jenkins, in the October 14, 2023 election, whose 10-P campaign finance disclosure report was filed 35 days late.
G50.   WAIVER REQUESTS - LOBBYING
  Docket No. 24-041
Request to waive the $50 late fee assessed against Caitlin Connors for the late filing of the November 2023 Lobbying Expenditure Report.
G51.   WAIVER REQUESTS - PERSONAL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
  Docket No. 23-089
Waiver request submitted by Winston Kent Roberts, Police Juror / Grant Parish and member of the Kisatche Delta Regional Planning & Developmental District, regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing his amended 2019 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 42 days late.
  Docket No. 23-481
Waiver request submitted by Carla Powell, candidate for East Baton Rouge Parish School Board / District 3 in the November 8, 2022 election, regarding a $2500 late fee assessed for filing her amended 2021 Tier 2 candidate pfd 27 days late.
  Docket No. 24-042
Waiver request submitted by Clifton Morris, Constable / District 2 / East Feliciana Parish, regarding a $2500 late fee assessed for filing his amended 2020 Tier 2 annual pfd 351 days late.
  Docket No. 23-909
Waiver request submitted by Timothy Anthony Larkin, Bossier City Councilman at Large / / Bossier Parish, regarding a $2500 late fee assessed for filing his amended 2021 Tier 2 annual pfd 58 days late.
  Docket No. 23-973
Waiver request submitted by Jeffry LaMonte Sanford, candidate for Sheriff / East Baton Rouge Parish, in the October 14, 2023 election, regarding a $2500 late fee assessed for failing to file his 2022 Tier 2 candidate.
  Docket No. 23-974
Waiver request submitted by Darlene Francois Riley, candidate for Councilman / District 2 / St. James Parish, in the October 14, 2023 election, regarding a $500 late fee assessed for filing her 2022 Tier 3 candidate pfd 46 days late.
  Docket No. 23-989
Waiver request submitted by Raphineas Gerald "Ray" Riley, candidate for Council Member / City of Denham Springs / Livingston Parish, in the November 8, 2022 election, regarding a $2500 late fee assessed for filing his amended 2021 Tier 2 candidate pfd 363 days late.
  Docket No. 23-991
Waiver request submitted by Joseph "Joe" Erdey, candidate for Councilman / District 9 / Livingston Parish in the October 14, 2023 election, regarding a $1700 late fee assessed for filing his 2022 Tier 2 candidate pfd 17 days late.
  Docket No. 23-992
Waiver request submitted by Bruce Allen Taylor, candidate for Police Juror / District 3 / Sabine Parish in the October 14, 2023 election, regarding a $500 late fee assessed for filing his 2022 Tier 3 candidate pfd 51 days late.
  Docket No. 23-993
Waiver request submitted by Timothy R. "Tim" Riley, Gonzales City Council / District A / Ascension Parish, regarding a $2500 late fee assessed for filing his amended 2021 Tier 2 annual pfd 560 days late and regarding a $2500 late fee assessed for filing his amended 2022 Tier 2 annual pfd 68 days late.
  Docket No. 23-1010
Waiver request submitted by Christopher Scott Clostio, former member of the St. Landry Parish Economic and Industrial Development District, regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing his 2021 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 142 days late.
  Docket No. 23-1011
Waiver request submitted by Brett Wyre McCaughey, Nibletts Bluff Park Commission, Calcasieu Parish Recreation District, regarding a $1100 late fee assessed for filing his amended 2020 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 22 days late.
  Docket No. 23-1020
Waiver request submitted by Thomas Houston "Tom" McVea, former member of the West Feliciana Parish Port Commission, regarding a $400 late fee assessed for filing his 2021 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 8 days late.
  Docket No. 23-1021
Waiver request submitted by Angela McDaniel (Beth) Smith, Sikes Board of Aldermen (Pop. 112) / Winn Parish, regarding a $500 late fee assessed for filing her amended 2020 Tier 3 annual pfd 201 days late and regarding a $500 late fee assessed for filing her amended 2021 Tier 3 annual pfd 230 days late.
  Docket No. 23-1040
Waiver request submitted by James Veuleman, candidate for Member of School Board / District 5 / Desoto Parish in the November 8, 2022 election, regarding a $500 late fee assessed for filing his 2021 Tier 3 candidate pfd 436 days late.
  Docket No. 23-192
Untimely waiver request submitted by Alton Joseph Broussard, former member of the State of Louisiana Board of Barber Examiner, regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing his 2019 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 637 days late and regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing his 2020 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 336 days late.
  Docket No. 24-112
Waiver request submitted by Harvey White, unsuccessful candidate for State Senate / District 33, in the October 14, 2023 election, regarding a $2500 late fee assessed for failing to file his amended 2022 Tier 2 candidate pfd.
G52.   WAIVER REQUESTS - SCHOOL BOARD DISCLOSURE
  Docket No. 23-952
Waiver request submitted by D'Juana L. McCartney, LaSalle Parish School Board, regarding a $550 late fee assessed for filing her 2023 School Board Disclosure 11 days late.
  Docket No. 23-1009
Waiver request submitted by Carlos Ray Archield, Beauregard Parish School Board, regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing his 2023 School Board Disclosure 39 days late.
G53.   WAIVER REQUESTS - UNTIMELY
  Docket No. 23-975
Untimely waiver request submitted by Alejandro R. Perkins, Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System, regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing his 2018 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 101 days late and regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing his 2019 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 84 days late and regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing his 2020 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 84 days late and regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing his 2021 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 84 days late.
  Docket No. 23-1022
Untimely waiver request submitted by Richard "Rich" Hughes, candidate for City of Crowley Board of Aldermen (Pop. 11,710) / Ward 2, Division B, Acadia Parish, in the November 8, 2022 election, regarding a $500 late fee assessed for filing his amended 2021 Tier 3 candidate pfd 203 days late.
G54.   WAIVER REQUESTS - RECONSIDERATIONS
  Docket No. 23-593
Request to reconsider the Board's decision to decline to waive a $500 late fee assessed against Deborah T. Bennett, Constable / Ward 3 / Catahoula Parish, for filing her 2021 Tier 3 annual pfd 99 days late.
  Docket No. 23-764
Request by Erick Falting, a successful candidate for Member of School Board, District 12, Bossier Parish in the November 8, 2022 election, that the Board reconsider its decision to 1) decline to waive the $1,000 campaign finance late fee for a 30-P filed 175 days late; 2) reduce to $915.61 and decline to waive the $1,000 late fee for a 10-P filed 155 days late; 3) reduce to $400 and decline to waive the two (2) $1,000 late fees for a 10-G report filed 125 days late and a SUPP2022 report filed 57 days late