PUBLIC SESSION
MEETING CONVENED
Chair Merita A. Hopkins called the meeting to order at 9:32 a.m. Also in attendance were Vice Chair Thomas A. Connors, Commissioner Patrick Hanley, and Commissioner Jeffrey T. Collins. Commissioner Theresa Wilson did not attend.
REMOTE PARTICIPATION
Chair Hopkins 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. Chair Hopkins noted that all votes at the meeting would be taken by roll call.
HEARING ON RESPONDENT'S MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY DECISION AND PETITIONER'S CROSS-MOTION FOR SUMMARY DECISION
In the Matter of David Bartley, Commission Docket No. 26-0003: Chair Hopkins announced that the hearing on Respondent’s Motions for Summary Decision and Petitioner’s Cross-Motion for Summary Decision had been postponed and would be rescheduled for a later date.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
On the motion of Chair Hopkins, seconded by Commissioner Hanley, the Commission voted 4-0 to waive the reading and approve the public session minutes of the July 29, 2026 Commission meeting.
| Vote: | |
|---|---|
| Chair Hopkins | Yes |
| Vice Chair Connors | Yes |
| Commissioner Hanley | Yes |
| Commissioner Collins | Yes |
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Executive Director David A. Wilson presented his monthly report.
Budget
Mr. Wilson provided an update on the Commission’s budget. He reported that, since the last Commission meeting, the Commission’s Spending Plan for Fiscal Year 2026 had been submitted to the Executive Office for Administration and Finance and stated that Chief of Finance and Operations Benjamin Bloomenthal would present and explain the Fiscal Year 2026 Spending Plan and discuss the budget at the Audit, Finance and Human Resources Committee meeting scheduled for later that day at 12:30 p.m. Mr. Wilson noted that all Commissioners were invited to attend the Committee meeting, although only Committee members were required to do so, and that questions regarding the Fiscal Year 2027 Spending Plan and budget could be addressed to Mr. Bloomenthal during the Committee meeting. He further reported that, in late October or early November, the Commission would submit its Fiscal Year 2028 budget request to the Executive Office for Administration and Finance setting out the Commission’s funding request for the coming fiscal year and how the requested funds would be used and stated that Mr. Bloomenthal would provide a preview of the budget request during the Committee meeting.
Ongoing SFI Project
Mr. Wilson reported that the ongoing project to replace the Commission’s existing SFI e-filing system had reached a major milestone and noted that Legal Division Deputy Chief/SFI Lauren Duca would provide an update on the project during her SFI report. He commended Ms. Duca and Special Assistant to Administration and SFI Rose Costa for their substantial work on the project, with technical support from Information Technology Specialist Tony Webb.
Boston University Law School 1L Career Conference Employer Fair
Mr. Wilson reported that he, Enforcement Staff Counsel Candies Pruitt, Senior Assistant General Counsel T. Michael McDonald, and Assistant General Counsel Ting Chiu attended an event at Boston University School of Law to speak with first-year students about governmental ethics and the work of the Commission. He noted that Ms. Chiu is a graduate of Boston University School of Law. Ms. Chiu said that it was nice to return to the law school and speak with first-year students. She noted that the event occurred at the end of orientation, before many students had begun classes or decided which areas of law they wished to pursue. Ms. Chiu said she hoped some of the students would remain in contact with the Commission and consider applying for future job opportunities. Mr. Wilson said he was pleasantly surprised by the number of students who approached the Commission’s table. He noted that Public Education and Communications Division Chief Don Siriani designed and arranged for a Commission banner to help draw attention to the table. Mr. Wilson said it was encouraging to see interest in the Commission’s work among law students. Chair Hopkins said it was a good outreach opportunity.
Cybersecurity Training
Mr. Wilson reported that the Commission staff would participate in a mandatory cybersecurity training program facilitated by the MassCyberCenter on September 23, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m. He explained that the training is intended to strengthen the Commission’s cybersecurity posture and noted that the MassCyberCenter is a program of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative.
Commissioners’ Event
Mr. Wilson stated that the Commission event to honor former Chair Margot Botsford and former Commissioner Eron Hackshaw was scheduled for September 24, 2026 at 12:00 p.m., and noted that all former and current Commissioners were invited to attend. He reported that Special Investigator Shawn McElroy assisted in selecting the menu and that an Italian lunch would be served. Mr. Wilson said that he looked forward to seeing the Commissioners at the event and noted that Commissioner Hackshaw had attended the 1L Career Conference Employer Fair at Boston University School of Law.
Next Meeting
Following discussion, the Commission scheduled meetings for October 22, 2026 at 9:30 a.m., November 19, 2026 at 9:30 a.m., and December 17, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.
PUBLIC EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION MATTERS
Public Education and Communications Division Chief Don Siriani presented his report on the Public Education and Communications Division’s activities during July and August 2026.
Mr. Siriani reported that the Division conducted 11 conflict of interest law seminars during July and August, totaling nearly 17 hours of instruction and reaching 741 public employees across the Commonwealth. He noted that the July in-house seminar at the Commission’s office drew 300 registrations and that 156 people had registered for the seminar scheduled later that month. Mr. Siriani further reported that the Division conducted seminars for the Massachusetts Collectors and Treasurers Association and eight training sessions for MassHousing staff, including Deputy Chief Gerry Tuoti’s first seminar presentation.
Mr. Siriani reported that the Division published an “Individually Speaking” feature on former Commissioner Hackshaw and that the Commission’s LinkedIn page had grown to nearly 1,450 followers. He stated that the Division responded to 56 media and public inquiries during July and August and noted that Ms. Costa assisted with SFI-related public records requests while portions of the SFI request process were being handled manually during the transition to the new SFI system.
Mr. Siriani reported that the Division responded to approximately 900 help desk requests relating to the online learning platform during July and August, which he attributed in part to the start of the new school year. He stated that more than 377,000 users and 839 agencies and municipalities had registered to use the learning management system and that the system had issued more than 280,000 completion certificates. Mr. Siriani further reported that the Commission’s website received more than 34,000 visitors in August.
Public Education and Communications Division and Information Technology Report for Fiscal Year 2026
Mr. Siriani presented the Public Education and Communications Division and Information Technology Report for Fiscal Year 2026. There were no questions from the Commission.
LEGAL DIVISION MATTERS
General Counsel/Legal Division Chief Eve Slattery reported on the activities of the Legal Division in July and August 2026.
Legal Division Metrics for July and August 2026
Ms. Slattery presented the following Legal Division metrics for July and August 2026.
- Written advice. The Legal Division answered by letter or e-mail 52 (July) and 41 (August) written requests for advisory opinions under G.L. c. 268A and c. 268B. Of these requests, 8 (July) and 5 (August) pertained to SFIs. One of the opinions was a formal advisory opinion issued on behalf of the Commission.
| For comparison: | |
|---|---|
| July 2025 (same month prior year) (total/SFI): | 303/259 |
| August 2025 (same month prior year) (total/SFI): | 34/3 |
| June 2026 (previous month) (total/SFI): | 77/13 |
- Oral advice. The Legal Division attorneys provided advice by telephone in response to 325 (July) and 311 (August) requests for advice from state, county, and municipal officials. Of these requests, 9 (July) and 12 (August) pertained to SFIs.
| For comparison: | |
|---|---|
| July 2025 (same month prior year) (total/SFI): | 434/121 |
| August 2025 (same month prior year) (total/SFI): | 345/0 |
| June 2026 (previous month) (total/SFI): | 350/19 |
- Review of municipal letters. Division staff reviewed 0 letters issued by city solicitors/town counsel pursuant to G.L. c. 268A, § 22 and 930 CMR 1.03.
| For comparison: | |
|---|---|
| July 2025 (same month prior year): | 0 |
| August 2025 (same month prior year): | 0 |
| June 2026 (previous month): | 0 |
- Backlog. As of September 9, 2026, the Division had no pending requests for written advice more than 30 days old. As of that date, there was a total of 19 pending requests for written advice.
Adjudicatory Matters
Ms. Slattery presented the August/September calendar of conferences/hearings in pending Commission adjudicatory proceedings.
Litigation Matters
Ms. Slattery provided an update on litigation matters. She reported that, in David Vigeant v. State Ethics Commission, Suffolk Superior Court Civil Action No. 2684CV01335, the Commission filed a Stipulation as to Content of Administrative Record and the Administrative Record on August 11, 2026. Ms. Slattery further reported that the Commission’s opposition and cross-motion for judgment on the pleadings was due on October 9. She noted that Senior Assistant General Counsel T. Michael McDonald would take the lead in preparing the Commission’s filing with her assistance.
Ms. Slattery reported that, in Roy A. Owens, Sr. v. Secretary of Commonwealth of Massachusetts, et al., Suffolk Superior Court Civil Action No. 2684cv02205; Appeals Court, Single Justice Docket No. 2026-J-0816; Supreme Judicial Court for Suffolk County Docket No. SJ-2026-0387, Plaintiff, who allegedly did not timely file the required paperwork to appear on the ballot as an Independent candidate for State Representative, filed a Complaint seeking emergency injunctive relief on July 23, 2026. She stated that the Superior Court denied Plaintiff’s requests for injunctive relief and that Plaintiff subsequently sought relief from the Appeals Court and the Supreme Judicial Court. Ms. Slattery reported that the Appeals Court single justice denied relief on August 24, 2026, while allowing Plaintiff 30 days to refile in compliance with M.A.R. 20, and that the Supreme Judicial Court single justice dismissed Plaintiff’s subsequent petition on September 1, 2026. She noted that a response to the Superior Court Complaint was due September 23, 2026. Ms. Slattery stated that Assistant Attorney General Angélica Durón was representing the Commission because the action involves multiple defendants. She reported that the Superior Court matter remained pending and that the Attorney General’s Office planned to file a motion to dismiss. She further noted that Plaintiff indicated his intent to file a second complaint, which would likely also be the subject of a motion to dismiss. Vice Chair Connors asked whether Plaintiff had asserted a substantive claim against the Commission. Ms. Slattery responded that there was not a significant substantive claim against the Commission but explained that, to appear on the ballot, a candidate must provide proof of having timely filed a Statement of Financial Interests, and that there was insufficient evidence that Plaintiff had done so.
Legal Division Report for Fiscal Year 2026
Ms. Slattery presented the Legal Division Report for Fiscal Year 2026. She reported that requests for advice increased approximately 10% from Fiscal Year 2025, which she attributed in part to inquiries following an incident involving automated notifications to SFI filers and to an increase in written requests after the launch of the Commission’s new online portal for requests for advice. Ms. Slattery further reported that Legal Division attorneys served as Legal Advisors to Commission members serving as Presiding Officers in twelve adjudicatory proceedings. She noted that the Division also served as the Commission’s liaison with the Office of the State Auditor during its performance audit of the Commission, assisted with presentations and trainings concerning the conflict of interest and financial disclosure laws, and worked on proposed legislation concerning the definition of “amount” in G.L. c. 268B, § 1.
Ms. Slattery commended Legal Division Deputy Chief/SFI Lauren Duca for her work implementing the new SFI system. She said Ms. Duca devoted significant time to ensuring that the system’s content and functionality were accurate and noted that the new system would provide an improved experience for filers and valuable reporting tools for Commission staff.
SFI Report
Legal Division Deputy Chief/SFI Lauren Duca provided an update on Statements of Financial Interests (SFI) for Calendar Year 2025. Ms. Duca reported that the legacy SFI system was shut down on June 30, 2026. She stated that, during July and August, the SFI Team assisted candidates for public office who needed to file a manual SFI form for CY 2025. Ms. Duca noted that, after the legacy SFI system was shut down, the SFI Team responded directly to requests from the public for copies of redacted SFIs and notified filers whose SFIs had been reviewed. She reported that the SFI Team handled a total of 90 (July) and 94 (August) inquiries for SFI assistance.
Ms. Duca provided an update on the project to replace the Commission’s existing SFI e-filing system. She reported that the new system went live on September 14, 2026 with a phased rollout, beginning with the SFI Team, followed by filers with extended filing deadlines and then agency liaisons. Ms. Duca explained that she and Special Assistant to Administration and SFI Rose Costa would begin mandatory training for agency liaisons and those training sessions, limited to 20 participants each, would continue through September. She stated that, over the summer, in preparation for the opening of the new SFI system, the SFI Team conducted extensive user acceptance testing, continued to meet weekly with the vendor and consultant, and worked with the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (EOTSS) to address state accessibility requirements. Ms. Duca noted that EOTSS authorized the system to launch while the vendor completes the remaining accessibility items for review. She further reported that the SFI Team revised more than 40 user training guides and established a new web address because the replacement system is hosted by ReFrame rather than EOTSS. Ms. Duca said that only minor issues had been identified since the launch, none of which affected filers or agency liaisons. She explained that development of the replacement system began in February 2026 and was completed 148 business days later.
Ms. Duca thanked the SFI Team members, Ms. Costa and Information Technology Specialist Tony Webb for their work on the project. She also thanked Government Affairs Officer Jennifer McCullough for obtaining the project funding, Chief of Finance and Operations Benjamin Bloomenthal for overseeing the project budget, Ms. Slattery for advice on system functionality, the Public Education and Communications Division for assistance with graphics and layout, and Commission staff who participated in user acceptance testing. She also thanked Mr. Wilson for his support and active involvement throughout the project. Ms. Duca then demonstrated the new system’s homepage.
Chair Hopkins commended the SFI Team for their work and noted that the accessibility issues discussed at the previous Commission meeting had already been addressed. Ms. Duca responded that the SFI Team worked closely with EOTSS and that ReFrame had been responsive in addressing issues within a short timeframe. Chair Hopkins noted the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with the vendor. Ms. Duca said ReFrame would provide hosting and maintenance services for the replacement system and that some members of its development team would continue to work with the Commission.
Mr. Wilson asked Ms. Duca to describe the role of the Commission’s consultant. Ms. Duca explained that Gartner, Inc. was hired through COMMBUYS and assisted with developing system requirements, conducting a market scan of available technology and pricing, holding focus groups with different types of users, preparing procurement documents, and evaluating proposals. She stated that Gartner was subsequently retained to assist during the development of the system by ReFrame and remained involved through the launch. Ms. Duca noted that Gartner was a valuable resource given EOTSS’s workload and the technical nature of the project. Chair Hopkins said it was beneficial that user focus groups had been incorporated early in the process. Ms. Duca stated that the focus groups were conducted in July 2025 and that the replacement system addressed most of the pain points identified by participants, except for certain features that were either outside the project budget or not pursued for other reasons. Chair Hopkins asked about the role of agency liaisons. Ms. Duca explained that each agency designates a liaison who works with the agency head to identify required filers and submit the agency’s annual designation list. She said the Commission relies heavily on liaisons to perform this administrative work and provides training to them each year. Ms. Duca noted that the new system includes additional visual features, including a display showing completion rates, to assist liaisons in tracking filers. Mr. Wilson commended Ms. Duca for her leadership of the project and said that her work helped ensure that Massachusetts taxpayers received the best possible new SFI e-filing system.
ENFORCEMENT DIVISION MATTERS
Enforcement Division Report for Fiscal Year 2026
Enforcement Division Chief Monica Brookman presented the Enforcement Division Report for Fiscal Year 2026. Ms. Brookman reported that, similar to the prior fiscal year, more matters than average proceeded to the adjudicatory stage, resulting in the Division closing fewer matters than average. She also noted that the Commission collected more in civil penalties in Fiscal Year 2026 than in any prior fiscal year, with the EF matter accounting for the majority of total collected amount. Ms. Brookman further reported that the Division issued 112 private education letters in Fiscal Year 2026, with an increase in letters concerning the use of public resources for political activity. She said the increase of complaints reported in Fiscal Year 2026 reflect both a change in the Division’s intake practices following implementation of the new Legal Case Management System and an increased volume of complaints after the online complaint submission portal was opened in March 2026.
Ms. Brookman presented the Enforcement Intake and Matter Metrics for July and August 2026. She reported that the number of complaints received through the online portal remained high, with 145 complaints received in July and 100 in August, but noted that this represented a decrease from May, when the Division received 191 complaints. Ms. Brookman said she hoped the downward trend would continue, as the Division’s backlog had increased in part due to the higher volume of complaints submitted through the portal.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 10:19 a.m., on the motion of Chair Hopkins, 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 Hopkins | Yes |
| Vice Chair Connors | Yes |
| Commissioner Hanley | Yes |
| Commissioner Collins | Yes |
Chair Hopkins 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 September 17, 2026
- Minutes of the Commission Meeting of July 29, 2026, Public Session
- Memorandum, dated September 10, 2026, from Public Education and Communications Division Chief Donald Siriani to the Commission concerning Public Education and Communications Division activities in July and August 2026
- Memorandum, dated September 10, 2026, from Public Education and Communications Division Chief Donald Siriani to the Commission concerning Public Education and Communications Division and Information Technology Report for Fiscal Year 2026
- Memorandum, dated September 9, 2026, 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
- Memorandum dated September 14, 2026 from General Counsel/Legal Division Chief Eve Slattery to the Commission concerning the Legal Division Report for Fiscal Year 2026
- Memorandum dated September 14, 2026 from Legal Division Deputy Chief/SFI Lauren Duca to the Commission concerning the SFI Filing Season Report for Calendar Year 2025
- Memorandum dated September 9, 2026 from Enforcement Division Chief Monica Brookman to the Commission concerning the Enforcement Division Report for Fiscal Year 2026
- Enforcement Intake and Informal Investigations Metrics
Respectfully submitted,
Arthur Xia
Senior Program Coordinator