Decision  In the Matter of Elizabeth Story- Decision and Order

Date:	06/08/2010
Organization:	State Ethics Commission

• Appearance for Petitioner: Karen Beth Gray
• Respondent: Elizabeth Story
• Commissioners: Charles B. Swartwood, Jeanne M. Kempthorne, David L. Veator, Patrick J. King, and Paula Finley Mangum

Decision and Order

On May 14, 2010, the parties filed a Joint Motion to Suspend Proceedings, Accept Proposed Settlement and Dismiss the Case ("Joint Motion") along with a proposed Disposition Agreement, requesting that the Commission approve the Disposition Agreement in settlement of this matter and dismiss this adjudicatory proceeding. The Presiding Officer, David L. Veator, referred the Joint Motion, with the Disposition Agreement, to the full Commission for deliberations on May 21, 2010.

In the proposed Disposition Agreement, Respondent Elizabeth Story admits that she violated G.L. c. 268B, § 5 and agrees to pay a civil penalty of $500. Respondent further agrees to waive all rights to contest the findings of fact, conclusions of law and terms and conditions contained in the Disposition Agreement in this and any other administrative or judicial proceeding to which the Commission is or may be a party. Respondent has tendered the payment of the $500 civil penalty.

In support of the Joint Motion, the parties assert that the proposed Disposition Agreement is consistent with the Commission's schedule of penalties imposing fines for Statements of Financial Interests filed more than ten days after receipt of a Formal Notice of Lateness. The parties further assert that the interests of justice, the parties and the Commission will be served by the Disposition Agreement.

WHEREFORE, the Commission hereby ALLOWS the Joint Motion. The Disposition Agreement is APPROVED. Respondent's tendered payment of the $500 civil penalty for violating G.L. c. 268B, § 5 is accepted. Commission Adjudicatory Docket No. 10-0004, In the Matter of Elizabeth Story, is DISMISSED.