Meetings
 
Louisiana Board of Ethics
 LaSalle Building
First Floor - LaBelle Room
SEPTEMBER 5, 2024
2:30 PM
617 North 3rd Street
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Note: Meetings begin on September 5, 2024 and continue to September 6, 2024.

Executive Session
Consideration of complaints and reports deemed confidential pursuant to Section 1141 of the Code of Governmental Ethics.
Discussion in Executive Session of Charges pending against Francis Breaux and Priscilla Breaux in Docket No. 2023-389.

Louisiana Board of Ethics
LaSalle Building
First Floor - LaBelle Room
SEPTEMBER 6, 2024
9:00 AM
617 North 3rd Street
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

GENERAL
Appearances
G1. Docket No. 21-139
Consideration of a request by Rowdy Gaudet to dismiss the consent agreement in which he agreed that he violated Section 1111C(2)(d) of the Code of Governmental Ethics based on the enactment of Act 492 in the 2024 Regular Legislative Session.
G2. Docket No. 23-862
Waiver request submitted by Reddex Lamont Washington, Jr., Alexandria City Councilman (Pop. 45,275) / District 1 / Rapides Parish, regarding a $2500 late fee assessed for filing his 2021 Tier 2 annual pfd 88 days late.
G3. Docket No. 24-034
Request that the Board reconsider its decision to reduce $560.00 and decline to waive the $800.00 campaign finance late fees ($1440.00 total) assessed against Scott Washington, an unsuccessful candidate for Police Juror, District 8, Calcasieu Parish in the October 14, 2023 election, whose 10-P and 10-G campaign finance disclosure reports were filed 14 and 20 days late, respectively.
G4. Docket No. 24-534
Request that the Board waive the two (2) $660 for a total of $1,260.00 campaign finance late fees assessed against, Johnell Matthews, an unsuccessful candidate for City Judge, City Court, ES 2E, City of Baton Rouge, in the October 14, 2017 and November 06, 2018 elections, whose two 2023 Supplemental campaign finance disclosure reports were each filed 11 days late. AND Request that the Board waive the $660 campaign finance late fee assessed against Johnell Matthews, a successful candidate for City Judge, City Court, Division C, City of Baton Rouge in the July 11, 2020 election, whose 2023 Supplemental campaign finance disclosure report was 11 days late.
G5. Docket No. 24-556
Advisory Opinion request on behalf of Tommy Cvitanovich, owner of Drago's Seafood Restaurant, as to whether the Code prohibits Drago's from providing food services to visiting NFL teams.
G6. Docket No. 24-626
Advisory Opinion request from Rep. Dustin Miller, District 40, as to whether his company, Acadiana Practitioners LLC, can enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Louisiana Department of Health.
Consent Agenda and Consent Opinions
G7. Docket No. 24-126
Advisory Opinion request as to whether the Code of Governmental Ethics ("Code") permits a rental property company owned by the Secretary-Treasurer of the Evangeline Parish Police Jury to continue to receive payments from the federal government.
G8. Docket No. 24-138
Advisory Opinion request from Chauna Banks as to whether the Code prohibits her from participating in certain transactions while serving as a member of the East Baton Rouge Metropolitan Council.
G9. Docket No. 24-365
Advisory opinion request from Corey Bardwell, as to whether the Code of Governmental Ethics (the "Code") permits him to perform services for a company who does business with the City of Alexandria (the "City") while his father is employed by the City.
G10. Docket No. 24-477
Advisory opinion request regarding an Ascension Parish School Board employee's husband and his company soliciting business with the APSB to provide detailing services for APSB's maintenance vehicles.
G11. Docket No. 24-481
Advisory opinion request as to whether the Code of Governmental Ethics ("Code") prohibits Amanda Fontenot Johnson from continuing her employment in the Lake Charles Transit Department if she is elected to the Lake Charles City Council.
G12. Docket No. 24-517
Advisory opinion request from Courtney E. Alcock, on behalf of the Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government (the "Parish") for an advisory opinion, as to whether a Parish employee's child may participate in a Headstart program.
G13. Docket No. 24-518
Advisory Opinion request from Lynn Hebert on behalf of the Terrebonne Parish Department of Planning & Zoning as to whether the Code prohibits employees from accepting a gift from a contractor.
G14. Docket No. 24-530
Advisory opinion request on behalf of the 21st Judicial District Court's (JDC) Information Technology (IT) Director Bruce Fitzgerald as to whether the Code of Governmental Ethics prohibits him from seeking work outside of the 21st JDC.
G15. Docket No. 24-557
Advisory opinion request regarding a Lafayette Housing Authority employee being a landlord under the Housing Choice Voucher Program while being employed as a Case Manager in the HCV/Section 8 Office.
G16. Docket No. 24-570
Advisory Opinion request as to whether the Code of Governmental Ethics ("Code") permits Jeanie Decuers to provide consulting services for public schools in Orleans Parish within two years following the termination of her employment with the Orleans Parish School Board.
G17. Docket No. 24-572
Advisory Opinion request from Baton Rouge Downtown Development District regarding a potential contract with The Walls Project, a nonprofit organization.
G18. Docket No. 24-581
Advisory opinion request as to whether the Code of Governmental Ethics prohibits Dr. John Underwood, an employee of the Louisiana Department of Education (DOE), from accepting a position on the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) National Standards Writing Team.
G19. Docket No. 24-603
Advisory Opinion request on behalf of St. Mary Parish Hospital Service District No. 1 d/b/a Bayou Band Health System as to the potential hiring of a member of the St. Mary Parish Council.
Regular Business
G20. Docket No. MINUTES
August 2024 Board Minutes
G21. Docket No. 22-454
Consent Opinion regarding Rebecca Stephenson who received payment for services rendered to a vendor of the Pointe Coupee Parish School Board.
G22. Docket No. 22-531
Consent opinion for Innolyzer Labs, L.L.C. and Innolyzer LLC related to Section 1111C(2)(d) and Section 1117 violations.
G23. Docket No. 22-724
Consent opinion for Dupre-Carrier-Godchaux Insurance Agency, related to prohibited contracts involving the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office.
G24. Docket No. 23-012
Consent Opinion for Gerald "Jerry" Gerdes, member of the Louisiana State Board of Optometry Examiners ("LSBOE"), related to payment from prohibited sources.
G25. Docket No. 23-345
Consent Opinion regarding Derick Graves and Northshore Fleet Services LLC entering into transactions with the Tangipahoa Parish School Board Transportation Department.
G26. Docket No. 23-348
Consent Opinion regarding David Spano and Dave's Full Service Automotive entering into transactions with the Tangipahoa Parish School Board Transportation Department.
G27.   WAIVER REQUESTS - CAMPAIGN FINANCE
  Docket No. 24-316
Request that the Board waive the $2,000.00 campaign finance late fee assessed against Raoul Armando "Skip" Galan, a disqualified candidate for State Senator, 10th Senatorial District, Jefferson Parish, in the October 14, 2023 election, whose 30-P campaign finance disclosure report was filed 113 days late.
  Docket No. 24-349
Request that the Board waive the $60, $840, $2,000 campaign finance late fees ($2,900 total) assessed against Robert "Max" Grodner, Jr., an unsuccessful candidate for State Representative, 68th Representative District in the October 14, 2023 election, whose 30-P, 10-P & 10-G campaign finance disclosure reports were filed 1, 14 and 99 days late, respectively.
  Docket No. 24-501
Request that the Board waive the three (3) $300.00 campaign finance late fees ($900.00 total) assessed against John "Randy" Sexton, a successful candidate for Assessor, Iberville Parish in the October 20, 2007; October 22, 2011; and October 24, 2015 elections, whose 2023 Supplemental campaign finance disclosure reports were filed 5 days late, respectively.
  Docket No. 24-503
Request the Board waive the $600 campaign finance late fee assessed against Eugene P. Foulcard, an unopposed candidate for Mayor, City of Franklin, St. Mary Parish in the March 26, 2022 election, whose 2023 Supplemental campaign finance disclosure report was 15 days late.
  Docket No. 24-504
Request the Board waive the $280 campaign finance late fee assessed against Gnanse Nelson, an unsuccessful candidate for Council Member, District C, City of Slidell, St. Tammany Parish in the March 26, 2022 election, whose 2023 Supplemental campaign finance disclosure report was 7 days late.
  Docket No. 24-505
Request the Board waive the $720 campaign finance late fee assessed against Kimberly Thibodeaux, an unsuccessful candidate for Member of School Board, District F, Tangipahoa Parish in the November 8, 2022 election, whose 2023 Supplemental campaign finance disclosure report was 18 days late.
  Docket No. 24-520
Request that the Board waive the $120, $360, and $80 ($560 total) campaign finance late fees assessed against Aaron Kyle Watson, an unsuccessful candidate for Member of School Board, District 1, Zachary Community in the November 8, 2022 election, whose 30-P, 10-G & 2022 Supplemental campaign finance disclosure reports were filed 3, 9 & 2 days late, respectively.
  Docket No. 24-521
Request the Board waive the $1,000 campaign finance late fee assessed against Adam Cutrer, an unsuccessful candidate for Councilman, District 5, Livingston Parish, in the March 25, 2023 election, whose 2023 Supplemental campaign finance disclosure report has not been filed.
  Docket No. 24-522
Request that the Board waive the $2,000, $2,000 and $1,920 campaign finance late fees ($5,920 total) assessed against Betty Ward Cooper, unsuccessful candidate for Mayor, City of Monroe, Ouachita Parish, in the March 23, 2024 election, whose 2023 Annual, 30-P and 10-P campaign finance disclosure reports were filed 47, 50 and 32 days late, respectively.
  Docket No. 24-523
Request the Board waive the $300 campaign finance late fee assessed against Chase Jennings, an unsuccessful candidate for State Senator, 38th Senatorial District in the October 14, 2023 election, whose 2023 Supplemental campaign finance disclosure report was 5 days late.
  Docket No. 24-524
Request that the Board waive a $540 campaign finance late fee assessed against Conrad T. Comeaux, a successful candidate for Lafayette Parish Assessor in a future election, whose 2023 Annual campaign finance disclosure report was filed 9 days late.
  Docket No. 24-533
Request that the Board waive a $720.00 campaign finance late fee assessed against Hannah Smith Mason, a successful candidate for Member of School Board, District 8, Lafayette in the October 14, 2023 election, whose 2023 Supplemental campaign finance disclosure report was filed 18 days late.
  Docket No. 24-535
Request that the Board waive a $1,000.00 campaign finance late fee assessed against Taylor L. James, a successful candidate for Council Member, City of Carencro, Lafayette Parish in the November 8, 2022 election, whose 2023 Supplemental campaign finance disclosure report was filed 124 days late.
  Docket No. 24-536
Request the Board waive the $1,080 campaign finance late fee assessed against William R. "Trey" Mustian, an unsuccessful candidate for State Representative, 82nd Representative District in the October 12, 2019 election, whose 2023 Supplemental campaign finance disclosure report was 18 days late.
  Docket No. 24-582
Request that the Board waive the $100.00 campaign finance late fee assessed against, Jeff Landry, a successful candidate for Governor in Future election, and his committee's treasurer, Benjamin Landry, whose 2023 Annual campaign finance disclosure report was filed 1 day late.
G28.   WAIVER REQUESTS - PERSONAL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
  Docket No. 24-318
Waiver request submitted by Joseph "Joe" Havis, candidate for Tangipahoa Parish Councilman / District 4 in the October 14, 2023 election, regarding a $2500 late fee assessed for filing his amended 2022 Tier 2 candidate pfd 75 days late.
  Docket No. 24-397
Waiver request submitted by Clifford S. Lewis, Member of East Baton Rouge Parish School Board, regarding a $1000 late fee assessed for filing his amended 2022 Tier 2 annual pfd 10 days late.
  Docket No. 24-431
Waiver request submitted by DeWayne Kevin Bowie, Cajundome and Convention Center Commission, regarding a $350 late fee assessed for filing his 2022 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 7 days late.
  Docket No. 24-432
Waiver request submitted by Samuel Joseph "Joe" Stevenson, Bienville Board of Alderman / Bienville Parish, regarding a $200 late fee assessed for filing his 2022 Tier 3 annual pfd 8 days late.
  Docket No. 24-434
Waiver request submitted by William R. Worthy, Village of Washington Chief of Police / St. Landry Parish, regarding a $25 late fee assessed for filing his 2022 Tier 3 annual pfd 1 day late.
  Docket No. 24-435
Waiver request submitted by Danny Moore, Mayor of Creola / Grant Parish, regarding a $500 late fee assessed for filing his 2022 Tier 3 annual pfd 155 days late.
  Docket No. 24-436
Waiver request submitted by Cynthia B. Franklin, Linward Charter School, regarding a $500 late fee assessed for filing her amended 2022 Tier 3 annual pfd 39 days late.
  Docket No. 24-437
Waiver request submitted by Linda D. Hardaway, Selectman / District 1 / City of Homer / Claiborne Parish, regarding a $500 late fee assessed for filing her 2022 Tier 3 annual pfd 23 days late.
  Docket No. 24-438
Waiver request submitted by Stacy Earl Weldon, Alderman for the Town of Elizabeth / Allen Parish, regarding a $500 late fee assessed for filing her 2022 Tier 3 annual pfd 169 days late.
  Docket No. 24-439
Waiver request submitted by Phylis B. Sampere, Washington Parish Tourism Commission / Washington, regarding a $150 late fee assessed for filing her 2021 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 3 days late.
  Docket No. 24-440
Waiver request submitted by James Benjamin Blackwell, Visit Baton Rouge, regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing his 2021 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 71 days late.
  Docket No. 24-441
Waiver request submitted by Matthew Fairbrother, Volunteer Louisiana Commission, regarding a $750 late fee assessed for filing his 2021 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 15 days late.
  Docket No. 24-458
Waiver request submitted by Kent Lee Bockhaus, Bossier Parish School Board / District 2, regarding a $2500 late fee assessed for filing his 2022 Tier 2 annual pfd 286 days late.
  Docket No. 24-459
Waiver request submitted by Tan'Keia Palmer, Natchitoches Parish School Board, District 2, regarding a $500 late fee assessed for filing her amended 2021 Tier 3 annual pfd 41 days late.
  Docket No. 24-460
Waiver request submitted by Jeffery Allen "Red Dog" Morgan, Acadia Parish Police Jury / District 2, regarding a $1200 late fee assessed for filing his amended 2022 Tier 2 annual pfd 12 days late.
  Docket No. 24-493
Waiver request submitted by Tramelle D. Howard, East Baton Rouge Parish School Board / District 3, regarding a $2500 late fee assessed for filing his 2022 Tier 2 annual pfd 216 days late and a $2500 late fee for filing his 2021 annual pfd 621 days late.
  Docket No. 24-494
Waiver request submitted by Marilyn Bridges Bellock, St. Charles Parish Council / District 5, regarding a $900 late fee assessed for filing her 2022 Tier 2 annual pfd 9 days late.
  Docket No. 24-496
Waiver request submitted by Karen Day White, Uniform Local Sales Tax Board, regarding a $750 late fee assessed for filing her 2021 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 15 days late and a $600 late fee assessed for filing her 2022 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 12 days late.
  Docket No. 24-497
Waiver request submitted by John K. McTear, Lake St. Joseph Recreation and Water Conservation District, regarding a $1500 late fee assessed for filing his 2021 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 235 days late.
  Docket No. 24-498
Waiver request submitted by Beverly Rose Lamb, former member of the Garden District Security District, regarding a $600 late fee assessed for filing her 2021 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 12 days late.
  Docket No. 24-499
Waiver request submitted by Nelson "Kim" Cormier, former member of the Church Point Board of Alderman / Ward 2 / Acadia Parish, regarding a $500 late fee assessed for filing his 2022 Tier 3 annual pfd 140 days late.
  Docket No. 24-500
Waiver request submitted by LaToya Ivory Howze, former member of the Basile Board of Alderman / District 1 / Acadia and Evangeline Parishes, regarding a $500 late fee assessed for filing her 2022 Tier 3 annual pfd 231 days late.
  Docket No. 24-537
Waiver request submitted by Lisa Ray Diggs, Clerk / 2nd City Court / Orleans Parish, regarding a $2500 late fee assessed for filing her 2022 Tier 2 annual pfd 145 days late.
G29.   WAIVER REQUESTS - RECONSIDERATIONS
  Docket No. 23-906
Request to reconsider the Board's decision to decline to waive a $500 and $25 late fee submitted by John Keith Dallalio, Delta Charter School Board, for filing his 2020 Tier 3 annual pfd 581 days late and for filing his 2021 Tier 3 annual pfd 1 day late, respectively.
  Docket No. 24-401
Request to reconsider the Board's decision to suspend all but $250 of a $1,000 late fee assessed against Sally Shushan, Audubon Commission, filing her 2022 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 20 days late.