PUBLIC SESSION
MEETING CONVENED
Commissioner Eron Hackshaw called the meeting to order at 9:32 a.m. Also in attendance were Commissioner Patrick Hanley and Commissioner Jeffrey T. Collins. Chair Margot Botsford subsequently joined the meeting. Chair Botsford participated remotely. Vice Chair Thomas A. Connors did not attend.
REMOTE PARTICIPATION
Commissioner Hackshaw announced that the meeting would take place in-person with remote access provided to the public pursuant to the law signed by Governor Healey on March 28, 2025. Commissioner Hackshaw noted that all votes at the meeting would be taken by roll call.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
On the motion of Commissioner Hackshaw, seconded by Commissioner Hanley, the Commission voted 3-0 to waive the reading and approve the public session minutes of the November 20, 2025 Commission meeting.
| Vote: | |
|---|---|
| Commissioner Hackshaw | Yes |
| Commissioner Hanley | Yes |
| Commissioner Collins | Yes |
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Executive Director David A. Wilson presented his monthly report.
Personnel
Mr. Wilson reported Administrative Assistant Arisa Waguespack’s promotion to Special Assistant to Programs, Projects, and Administration. He noted that Ms. Waguespack would continue to serve as the Commission’s primary receptionist and that the new title reflected her expanded responsibilities in supporting the Commission’s work. Mr. Wilson further reported Assistant Enforcement Counsel Jenny Wojewoda’s promotion to Senior Assistant Enforcement Counsel in recognition of her exceptional work.
Budget
Mr. Wilson provided an update on the Commission’s budget. Mr. Wilson reported that Chief of Finance and Operations Benjamin Bloomenthal had identified certain savings in the Commission’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget that could be used to fund modest salary increases for staff who are not compensated according to the NAGE Unit 6 collective bargaining agreement salary schedule. He explained that these modest salary increases would be sustainable into Fiscal Year 2027 and that the savings that would fund the increases were resulting in part from the reduction of certain expenditures during the current fiscal year.
Mr. Wilson noted that the Governor was expected to file her Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal in January 2026, and that he and Ms. McCullough would begin meeting with members of the House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means to advocate for the Commission’s full Fiscal Year 2027 budget request.
New Commissioner
Mr. Wilson stated that there was nothing new to report regarding the appointment of a new Commissioner to succeed Commissioner Hackshaw. He invited the Commissioners to provide him with the names of qualified persons interested in serving on the Commission as potential candidates, which he said he would pass along to the Attorney General’s Office.
Mr. Wilson asked whether the Commissioners would have any objection to the Commission posting information about the vacancy on its website and LinkedIn page to draw interest and noted that the Commission has not done so in the past. Commissioner Hackshaw asked where the Commission would typically post such information. Mr. Wilson responded that postings for Commission staff vacancies generally appear on the Commission’s homepage. He explained that no more than three members of the Commission may be from any one political party and stated that, as a result, the Commission would be seeking unenrolled or Republican candidates. Commissioner Hanley noted that he became aware of the vacancy for his position through a notice posted on LinkedIn by the Governor’s Office and that additional outreach would be beneficial.
Ongoing Projects
Mr. Wilson reported that substantial progress had been made in the project to replace the Commission’s existing SFI e-filing system, which would be discussed during SFI portion of the monthly report of the Legal Division.
COGEL Conference
Mr. Wilson stated that the Council on Governmental Ethics Laws (COGEL) Annual Conference took place on December 7-10, 2025 in Atlanta. He noted that the Commission sent a delegation consisting of Staff Counsel Candies Pruitt, Information Technology Specialist Tony Webb, and himself to the conference. At Mr. Wilson’s invitation, Ms. Pruitt stated that the COGEL Annual Conference included informative seminars and roundtable discussions that provided insight into how other jurisdictions approach investigations, penalties, and enforcement. She said that the conference reinforced the importance of the Commission’s work and noted that many ethics agencies face challenges while continuing to carry out their missions. Ms. Pruitt encouraged Commission staff to participate in COGEL Connect events, which are virtual programs offered throughout the year, and stated that they provide valuable information and opportunities for engagement. She reported that approximately eighteen such programs were held in 2025 on topics including investigations, measuring the effectiveness of education programs, and a program concerning a high-profile matter in Illinois.
Holiday Party
Mr. Wilson reported that the annual Commission staff winter holidays party would take place later that day following an all-staff meeting and lunch, and invited the Commissioners to attend.
Next Meeting
Mr. Wilson reminded the Commission that its next Commission meetings were scheduled for January 22, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. and February 26, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.
COMPENSATION OF COMMISSION STAFF OTHER THAN THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Mr. Wilson reminded the Commission that eight Commission staff are paid according to the NAGE Unit 6 Collective Bargaining Agreement salary schedule and the rest of the staff, other than himself, are paid salaries determined by the Executive Director in consultation with CFO Bloomenthal and approved by the Commission. He stated that, with Commission approval, he seeks to maintain parity between the Unit 6 CBA salary schedule paid (“Unit 6”) employees and the Commission’s non-Unit 6 CBA salary schedule paid (“non-Unit 6”) employees, so that employees performing similar work receive comparable compensation. Mr. Wilson reported that most recent salary increase for non-Unit 6 staff occurred in late April 2025, when a 3% cost-of-living salary increase was provided to match the 3% cost-of-living increase already received by the Unit 6 employees in January 2025. He further reported that the current NAGE Unit 6 CBA, effective July 1, 2025, provides for 2% increases on July 1, 2025, January 1, 2026, July 1, 2026, and January 1, 2027. Mr. Wilson stated that the Commission’s Fiscal Year 2026 spending plan included a proposed 2% increase for non-Unit 6 staff to mitigate the salary disparities; however, the Commission did not have sufficient funds to implement that increase due in part to the cost of a staff retirement payout for unused leave, for which reserve funding was requested but not approved. He said that, as a result, the Commission was proceeding conservatively with regard to salary increases.
Mr. Wilson stated that, based on current fiscal conditions and in consultation with Mr. Bloomenthal, he was requesting that the Commission authorize him to provide a 1% cost-of-living adjustment, retroactive to July 1, 2025, to non-management, non-Unit 6 staff. He noted that managers, as well as the Executive Director, would be excluded from the adjustment. Mr. Wilson explained that the proposed increase represented approximately half of the increase provided to Unit 6 employees and reflected an amount he and the Budget Team were confident the Commission could afford. He expressed his hope to provide step increases for junior staff at a later date, pending the release of the Governor’s upcoming budget, and noted that step increases are typically awarded on an employee’s anniversary date of hire or promotion. Mr. Wilson said that, while the proposed adjustment was less than Commission staff deserve, it represented the best option under current fiscal constraints.
[Chair Botsford joined the meeting at 10:00 a.m.]
Commissioner Hanley stated that it is critical for Commission staff to feel supported and that he appreciated Mr. Wilson’s efforts to balance fiscal responsibility with staff morale. He noted that the Commission staff performs outstanding work, that staff retention reflects a strong commitment to the Commission’s mission, and that providing an increase the Commission can afford is important to maintaining morale. Commissioner Collins stated that, based on his experience at the Office of the Attorney General, he understands the importance of institutional commitment and its effect on staff morale. He said that he observed a high level of dedication and hard work by Commission staff and expressed his support for the proposed adjustment. Chair Botsford stated that she agreed with Commissioners Hanley and Collins and supported the proposal. She said that she wished the Commission could provide additional compensation and expressed her appreciation for the Commission staff’s exceptional work.
On the motion of Commissioner Hackshaw, seconded by Commissioner Hanley, the Commission voted 4-0 to authorize the Executive Director, at his discretion and in consultation with the Commission’s CFO, to provide non-managerial Commission employees who are not paid according to the NAGE Unit collective bargaining agreement salary schedule and who have not previously received a salary increase in FY 2026, with longevity salary increases (in percentages to be determined by the Executive Director in consultation with the CFO) effective as of each employee’s anniversary date, and a 1% cost of living salary increase effective retroactively to July 1, 2025, with a cost for all such increases totaling approximately $23,000 in FY 2026.
| Vote: | |
|---|---|
| Chair Botsford | Yes |
| Commissioner Hackshaw | Yes |
| Commissioner Hanley | Yes |
| Commissioner Collins | Yes |
PUBLIC EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION MATTERS
Public Education and Communications Division Chief Don Siriani presented his memorandum reporting on the Public Education and Communications Division’s activities during November 2025.
Mr. Siriani reported that the Commission’s online conflict of interest law training would undergo its annual rollover at the beginning of the new year. He further reported that the Division recently provided notice to public employees who have not yet completed the training and communicated with local administrators to advise them that the training site will be closed temporarily for system maintenance during the rollover period. Mr. Siriani stated that, each January, the Division communicates with elected state and county officials to remind them of their mandatory education requirements and noted that the Division tracks their compliance and aims to achieve full compliance. He noted that the Division also communicates with agency heads, municipal heads, and regional school districts to ensure they are prepared for compliance requirements in the new year.
Mr. Siriani stated that his memorandum includes a new section titled “Numbers at a Glance,” which tracks selected metrics to illustrate the Division’s scope of activity. He said that, from time to time, the Division will report on the most frequently downloaded materials from the Commission’s website. Mr. Siriani noted that several documents, including online complaint forms, request for advice forms, and conflict of interest law disclosure forms, were downloaded more than 500 times, which indicate that the public is aware of and actively using the Commission’s resources. He stated that the Commission’s website remains a significant source of information for public employees and members of the public.
Mr. Siriani reported that Senior Public Information Officer Gerry Tuoti has been working on the Commission’s Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Report to ensure that the Division’s activities are accurately reflected and that he anticipates presenting the report at the next Commission meeting. He further reported that Mr. Tuoti has been working with the City of Boston on its internal compliance tracking efforts with the conflict of interest law education requirements, which is expected to reduce the administrative burden on the Commission over time.
LEGAL DIVISION MATTERS
General Counsel/Legal Division Chief Eve Slattery reported on the activities of the Legal Division in November 2025.
Commissioner Hanley stated that an individual seeking legal advice about the conflict of interest law contacted him and that he referred the individual to the Legal Division. He noted that the individual spoke with Assistant General Counsel Christopher Popov and was satisfied with the advice that he received.
Legal Division Metrics for November 2025
Ms. Slattery presented the following Legal Division metrics for November 2025.
- Written advice. The Legal Division answered by letter or e-mail 32 written requests for advisory opinions under G.L. c. 268A and c. 268B. Of these requests, 1 pertained to SFIs.
| For comparison: | |
|---|---|
| November 2024 (same month prior year) (total/SFI): | 51/4 |
| October 2025 (previous month) (total/SFI): | 41/1 |
- Oral advice. The Legal Division attorneys provided advice by telephone in response to 276 requests for advice from state, county, and municipal officials. Of these requests, 4 pertained to SFIs.
| For comparison: | |
|---|---|
| November 2024 (same month prior year) (total/SFI): | 254/1 |
| October 2025 (previous month) (total/SFI): | 320/2 |
- Review of municipal letters. Division staff reviewed 1 letter issued by city solicitors/town counsel pursuant to G.L. c. 268A, § 22 and 930 CMR 1.03.
| For comparison: | |
|---|---|
| November 2024 (same month prior year): | 2 |
| October 2025 (previous month): | 0 |
- Backlog. As of December 12, 2025, the Division had 1 pending request for written advice that were more than 30 days old. As of that date, there were a total of 6 pending requests for written advice.
SFI Report
Legal Division Deputy Chief/SFI Lauren Duca provided an update on Statements of Financial Interests (SFI) for Calendar Year 2025. Ms. Duca said that the SFI Team was preparing for the SFI filing season by updating and sending out to agencies the annual request for Designation Lists of filers, which are due by January 5, 2026, and conducting training sessions for agency SFI liaisons about their responsibilities under the financial disclosure law and how to use the SFI system. She noted that Special Assistant to Administration and SFI Rose Costa conducted four training sessions in total, as well as two Q&A sessions, for agency liaisons. Ms. Duca reported that the SFI Team handled a total of 55 inquiries for SFI assistance in November.
Ms. Duca provided an update on the project to replace the Commission’s existing SFI filing system. She reported that the Commission’s Strategic Sourcing Team (SST), consisting of Mr. Wilson, Mr. Bloomenthal, Ms. McCullough, Mr. Siriani, Ms. Costa, IT Specialist Tony Webb, and herself, had sent out a request for best and final offers to a number of vendors with a deadline of December 2, 2025. Ms. Duca further reported that she conducted reference checks for those vendors, and that after reviewing those responses and the completed reference checks, the SST will meet to select an apparent successful bidder early next week and begin contract negotiations.
Commissioner Hackshaw asked what matters would be negotiated following the receipt of best and final offers. Ms. Duca explained that negotiations would involve primarily minor details as well as any adjustments that may be required based on information received during the procurement process. She noted that the statement of work, which was included as an exhibit to the request for quotation posted by the Commission on COMMBUYS, serves as the core of the contract. Ms. Duca further noted that the contract would also include additional terms that are required by the state and that vendors agree to when added to the state vendor list. She further noted that the negotiation and drafting of the contract would not be as extensive as the process for drafting the request for quotation. Ms. Duca said that the Commission was proceeding with all due speed because the capital funding being used for the project must be expended by June 30, 2026. She expressed her expectation that she would be able to report in January on the selection of an apparent successful bidder and the execution of a contract.
ENFORCEMENT DIVISION MATTERS
Enforcement Division Chief Monica Brookman presented the Enforcement Intake and Matter Metrics for November 2025. Ms. Brookman reported that, while the number of complaints received was fewer than average in November, the informal investigations backlog increased by fourteen cases. She said that she hoped to reduce the backlog by the end of January.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Wilson stated that, before the Commission votes to enter executive session and prior to former Commissioner Wilbur Edwards leaving the meeting, he wished to express his own and the entire Commission staff’s gratitude for Commissioner Edwards’ service. He said that it had been a pleasure working with him over the past six years, noted his strong rapport with Commission staff, referenced his participation in a COGEL Conference, and thanked him for his willingness to remain on the Commission for an additional year on a holdover basis.
Commissioner Edwards said that he wished the incoming Commissioners well. He noted that his service began during a period of in-person Commission meetings and continued through the COVID-19 pandemic, during which meetings transitioned to remote participation. Commissioner Edwards stated that he was privileged to serve on the Commission, that he appreciated the dedication and hard work of Commission staff, and that the thoroughness of staff reports greatly assisted the Commissioners in their deliberations.
At 10:21 a.m., on the motion of Commissioner Hackshaw, seconded by Commissioner Hanley, the Commission voted 4-0 to enter executive session to discuss matters subject to the provisions of G.L. c. 30A, § 21, subparagraph (a)(7), and § 18, and G.L. c. 268B, §§ 3 and 4, including investigatory matters, preliminary inquiries, summons authorization requests, and adjudicatory matters.
| Vote: | |
|---|---|
| Chair Botsford | Yes |
| Commissioner Hackshaw | Yes |
| Commissioner Hanley | Yes |
| Commissioner Collins | Yes |
Chair Botsford stated that the Commission would not reconvene in public session following the executive session.
LIST OF DOCUMENTS USED AT THIS MEETING
- Agenda for the Commission Meeting of December 18, 2025
- Minutes of the Commission Meeting of November 20, 2025, Public Session
- Memorandum, dated December 12, 2025, from Public Education and Communications Division Chief Donald Siriani to the Commission concerning Public Education and Communications Division activities in November 2025
- Memorandum, dated December 12, 2025, from General Counsel/Legal Division Chief Eve Slattery to the Commission setting forth Legal Division matters for the meeting
- Calendar of hearing dates and pre-hearing conferences in pending Commission adjudicatory matters
- Enforcement Intake and Matter Metrics
Respectfully submitted,
Arthur Xia
Senior Program Coordinator