EthicsCasesConsideredbytheHouseandSenateEthicsCommittees

CAVEATS: Notallcasesresultedindisciplineoradmonition.Someweredismissed;severalSenatecases resultedinadvisoryopinionsonly. Somecaseswereinitiatedbythemembersthemselvestoresolveapotentialconflictofinterest, othercaseswereinitiatedbycomplaintsfromothermembersoftherespectivelegislativebody. *ThisisNOTasummaryofallethicsissuesconcerningmembersoftheLegislatureduringthis period.Somemembersresigned,didnotseekreelection,orweredefeatedbeforecomplaints werefiled.Insomeinstances,memberswereinvolvedinseparatelegalproceedings(suchas DWI)butanethicscomplaintwasnotfiled. Dateslistedaretheyearoftheethicscommitteesreports. AdditionalmaterialsaboutthecasesnotedinthislistmaybeavailableintheLegislative ReferenceLibrary,includingnewsclippings.TheLibrarysholdingsdonotconstituteacomplete recordofanysituation.TheLibraryalsohasinformationonothersituationsrelatingto legislativeethicsthatwerenotformallyreferredtotheethicscommittees. Whileeffortshavebeenmadetoverifyallinformation,errorsarepossible.Pleasereportany errorstothelibrarystaff.(refdesk@lrl.leg.mn)

3/2012

CasesConsideredbytheEthicsCommitteeoftheMinnesotaHouseof Representatives,19862011
BackgroundontheHouseEthicsCommitteecanbefoundina2003HouseResearchDepartmentmemo byDeborahMcKnight,HouseEthicCommitteeStructuralandProceduralIssues. Note:Duringthistimeframe,complaintsregardingtwomembersweresubmittedtotheCommittee, butlaterwithdrawn(Rep.GregDavids,5/14/2004,andRep.TomWorkman,3/4/1996).

2009 Rep.PaulGardner

AcomplaintwasfiledonMay15,2009,againstRep.GardnerforinappropriateTwitterpostshemade onMay8th. Outcome:TheHouseEthicscommitteemetonJune2,2009,andfoundnoprobablecauseforanethics violation,butaskedRep.GardnertoapologizetotheHouse.HedidsoonFebruary4,2010(thefirstday ofsession). MaterialsrelatingtotheMinnesotaHouseofRepresentativesinvestigationoftheconductof RepresentativePaulGardner EthicsCommitteeHearingintheMatteroftheComplaintAgainstRepresentativePaulGardner (LinktotheaudiooftheJune2,2009,hearing.) HouseofRepresentativesFloorSession,February4,2010(InthislinktotheHouseproceedings, Rep.Gardnersapologyisatminute8:24.)

2003

Rep.ArlonLinder

AcomplaintwasfiledonMarch11,2003,againstRep.ArlonLindner,claiminghemadederogatory remarksagainsthomosexualsandinaccurateportrayalsoftheHolocaustandAIDSinAfrica.Thecase washeardbytheHouseEthicsCommitteeonApril7andApril24,2003. Outcome:TheHouseEthicsCommitteevoteonApril24,2003,split22alongpartylines;theresolution tocensorhimfailed.DemocratsbroughttheissuetotheHouseflooronApril25.Aproceduralmotion

toconsideraresolutioncensuringRep.LindnerandremovinghimaschairmanoftheHouseEconomic DevelopmentandTourismDivisionfailed. MaterialsrelatingtotheinvestigationintotheconductofRepresentativeArlonLindnerbythe MinnesotaHouseCommitteeonEthicsduringthe2003legislativesession.

2001 Rep.JimAbeler

AconflictofinterestcomplaintwasfiledagainstRep.AbeleronApril24,2001,forvotingonbillsthat involvedcharterschoolfundingwhenheownedacharterschoolbuilding.Thecasewasheardbythe HouseEthicsCommitteeonMay10,2001. Outcome:TheHouseEthicsCommitteedismissedthecomplaintinaclosedmeetingonMay18,2001. MaterialsRelatingtotheMinnesotaHouseofRepresentativesInvestigationoftheConductof RepresentativeJamesAbeler.

2000 Rep.ArlonLindner

AcomplaintwasfiledonFebruary28th,2000,underHouseRule6.10.Thecomplaintallegedconductby amemberthatviolatesacceptednormsofHousebehavior.SpeakingtoRep.Paymar,aJewishmember, Rep.Lindnersaid,Dontimposeyourirreligiousleftviewsonme.TheHouseEthicsCommitteemetin publicsessiononMarch20andMarch21,2000.TheCommitteemetinexecutivesessionMarch23, 2000. Outcome:TheCommitteefoundthatRepresentativeArlonLindnerscommentsonthehousefloor wereveryregrettable,thatdisciplinewasinappropriateandnofurtheractionwouldbetaken,andthat theCommitteewouldsendtheSpeakeroftheHousearecommendationthattheHouseRulesrelating tospeechindebatearecontradictoryandneedtoberevised. MaterialsRelatingtotheInvestigationintotheConductofRepresentativeArlonLindnerbythe MinnesotaHouseCommitteeonEthicsDuringthe2000LegislativeSession

2000

Rep.JimRostberg

AcomplaintwasfiledonMarch6,2000,underHouseRule6.10.Rep.Rostberghadbeenchargedwith onecountoffelonycriminalsexualconductinthefirstdegreeandtwocountsoffelonycriminalsexual conductintheseconddegree,accusedofsexualcontactwithapersonunder16overanextended periodoftime. Outcome:AttheMarch24th,2000,meeting,thecommitteevotedtodeferproceedingsonthe complaintuntilthecompletionofongoingcriminalproceedings.Rep.Rostbergchosenottorunforre election,sotheEthicsCommitteedidnotactfurther. MaterialsrelatingtotheMinnesotaHouseofRepresentativesinvestigationoftheconductof RepresentativeJamesRostberg.

1996

Rep.JeffBertram

InanethicscomplaintfiledFebruary22,1996,Rep.Bertramwasaccusedofpressuringabusinessman intogivingacampaigncontributionbythreateningtodobusinesswithacompetitor;pressuringthe storeownertodropshopliftingchargesfiledagainsthisbrother,Sen.JoeBertram;makingfalse statementsaboutseveralindividuals;andengaginginotheractsofintimidation,threats,and harassment. InavoteonMarch22,1996,theHouseEthicsCommitteerecommendedthatRep.Bertrambe censuredbytheMinnesotaHouseinopensession;thathepubliclyadmittoontheHousefloorinopen sessionactsofmisconductspecifiedinthecommitteereport;thatheapologizeontheHouseFloorto theMinnesotaHouse,tohisconstituents,andtoeachofthevictimsnamedinthereport;thatheagree toundergoapsychologicalevaluationforangerandreporttotheSpeakeroftheHouseandthe chairmanandvicechairmanoftheEthicsCommitteetheresultsoftheevaluation;andthatheresign fromallHousecommitteechairorvicechairpositionsandmembershiponlegislativecommissions. Outcome:ThefullHouseadoptedtherecommendations.Rep.Bertramconsentedtodispositional action.HeapologizedpubliclyontheHouseflooronMarch22,1996.Aminorityreportrecommending expulsionwaspresentedtothefullHouse,butwasvoteddown. MinnesotaHouseofRepresentativesDebateontheCensureResolutionontheConductofRep. JeffBertram[VideorecordingintheLibrarycollection:KFM5821.5.L4M561996]

1996

Rep.RobertJohnson

ThecomplaintmadeonDecember19,1995,allegedthatRep.JohnsonthreatenedtheCommissionerof PublicSafetywhentheStatePatrolturneddownhisrequesttodrivehimtoSt.Paulforthefuneralof formergovernorRudyPerpich.Also,hehadmultipleguiltypleasfordrivingwhileintoxicated. OnJanuary12,1996,theEthicsCommitteerecommendedtotheRulesCommitteethatthememberbe censuredandthatheresign. Outcome:OnJanuary16,1995,thefullHousevotedtocensurehim.Aminorityreportrecommending expulsionwaspresentedtothefullHouse,butwasvoteddown. MaterialsrelatingtotheinvestigationoftheconductofRepresentativeRobertJohnsonbythe MinnesotaHouseCommitteeonEthics.

1990

Rep.JeffConway

AcomplaintwasfiledwiththeHouseEthicsCommitteein1989regardingaconflictofinterest allegation.TheEthicsCommitteediscussedthecomplaintonSeptember28,1989.InMarch,1990,Rep. Conwaywasindictedforfelonylevelcriminalsecuritieslawviolationsformishandlingbusinessclients money. Outcome:HeresignedonMarch13,1990,thedaybeforehewasscheduledtoappearbeforetheEthics Committeeinapublichearing.Therepresentativewassubsequentlyconvictedandincarceratedfor defraudinginvestmentclients. MinutesoftheHouseEthicsCommittee,September28,1989.

1988 Rep.KenKludt

TheSelectCommitteeonEthicsdecidedthroughitsowndiscussionsandthroughcorrespondencewith theSpeakertoinvestigateandmakerecommendationsregardingtheDecember14,1987,convictionof Rep.Kludtforsolicitinganactofprostitution. Outcome:ThecommitteereporttotheRulesCommitteerecommendedthatRep.Kludtberequiredto submitawrittenapologytotheHouse.Hedid,anditwasincludedintheHouseJournal. ReportoftheSelectCommitteeonEthicstotheCommitteeonRulesandLegislativeAdministration. JournaloftheHouse,March29,1988.

1986

Rep.RandyStaten

ASelectCommitteeontheStatencasewasappointedbytheSpeakeroftheHouseonJan.24,1986. Rep.RandolphStatenpledguiltytofelonytheftforwritingbadchecksonJanuary17,1986.Hehadalso submittedincompleteanduntimelycampaignfinancereportsduringtheyears19811986.Hearings wereheldonFebruary11,14,and18. Outcome:TheexpulsionvotefailedintheHouseonMarch13,whichthenvotedtocensurehimand orderedhimtodonate18%ofhislegislativepay(fortheremainderoftheyear)toanonprofitchemical dependencyprogramofhischoice,perform100hoursofvolunteerservice,andcontinueinchemical dependencytreatment.Ifcampaignfinancereportingproblemscontinued,hemustreturnallpublic financingmoneyheobtained. ReportoftheSelectCommitteeontheStatenCase TranscriptsoftheSelectCommitteeontheStatenCase[6volumesintheLegislativeReference Library],JK6174.8.M5621986

CasesSubmittedtotheEthicsSubcommitteeoftheMinnesota Senate,19942011
ReferencestotheSubcommitteearetotheSenateRulesandAdministrationSubcommittee onEthicalConduct.Until2007,theSubcommitteewasknownastheSpecialSubcommitteeon EthicalConduct.

2011 Sen.GretchenHoffman

AcomplaintwasfiledagainstSen.GretchenHoffmanonMay20,2011.Duringafloordebateoverthe state'shealthandhumanservicesbudgetonMay18,2011,SenatorHoffmantweetedthatSenatorBarb Goodwinhadcalledpeoplewithmentaldisabilities"idiotsandimbeciles."SenatorGoodwinwasusing thosewordstodescribelanguageusedinabygoneeratounderscorehowmuchthingshaveadvanced inrecentdecades. Outcome:OnMonday,June13,2011(Senatevideo),theSubcommitteeonEthicalConductruledthat SenatorHoffmanmustissueawrittenapologytoSenatorGoodwin,retracttheoriginaltweet,andpost alinktotheSubcommitteereportonherTwitteraccount. TheEthicsCommitteeissuedaletteronJune21,2011,statingthatSenatorHoffmanfulfilledthe requirementssetbythecommitteeandthecomplaintwasdropped. MaterialsrelatingtotheSenateSubcommitteeonEthicalConductinvestigationoftheConduct ofSenatorGretchenHoffman SenateRulesandAdministrationCommitteeSubcommitteeonEthicalConduct,Complaintby SenatorRestaboutSenatorHoffman(LinktotheJune,2011,audioofSenateCommittee hearings.SeeJune13.)

2011

Sen.ScottNewman

OnJanuary27,2011,acomplaintwasfiledagainstSenatorScottNewmanregardinganemailsentout byalegislativeaideinhisoffice.WhilethemessagestatedthatSenatorNewmanwouldnotmeetwith theMinnesotaNursesAssociationaftertheunionsupportedhiscompetitorintheNovember,the senatorsaidthemessagedidnotreflecthispolicy.

Outcome:TheSubcommitteeonEthicalConductmetinpublicsessionandexecutivesessionon February9,2011.TheSubcommitteedismissedthecomplaint. MaterialsrelatingtotheSenateSubcommitteeonEthicalConductinvestigationoftheConduct ofSenatorScottNewman SenateRulesandAdministrationCommitteeSubcommitteeonEthicalConduct,Complaintby SenatorsPappas,KelashandDibbleregardingSenatorNewman(LinktotheFebruary,2011, audioofSenateCommitteehearings.SeeFebruary9.)

2010 Sen.SatveerChaudhary
OnMay27,2010,Sen.ChaudharyrequestedanadvisoryopinionfromtheSubcommitteetodetermine whetherhehadaconflictofinterestinproposingspecialfishingregulationsonFishLakeReservoir, whereheownedacabinatthetimethelegislationwasproposed.TheSubcommitteemetonJune2. Outcome:TheSubcommitteesJune2advisoryopinionstatedthatSen.Chaudharyhadnoconflictof interestinthismatter.TheSubcommitteenotedthatwhilehisconductdidnotviolateanyruleorpolicy oftheSenate,itdidviolateacceptednormsofSenatebehaviorandthreatenedpublicconfidenceinthe legislativeinstitutionanditsprocesses. AdvisoryOpiniononConflictofInterest[andotherdocuments]

2008 Sen.JulianneOrtman

OnFebruary21,2008,Sen.OrtmanrequestedthattheSubcommitteedeterminewhethershehada conflictofinterestaschiefauthoroftwobills,SF294andSF2984,duetoheremploymentastheFinance DirectorintheOfficeoftheHennepinCountySheriff.TheSubcommitteeconsideredtheissueonMarch 6. Outcome:TheadvisoryopinionissuedbytheSubcommitteeonMarch6determinedthatSen.Ortman didnothaveaconflictofinterestasthechiefauthorofeitherofthetwobills. AdvisoryOpiniononConflictofInterest[andSen.Ortman'sletterofrequest]

2008

Sen.SatveerChaudhary

OnMay21,2008,Sen.ChaudaryaskedtheSubcommitteetodetermineifhehadaconflictofinterest duetobusinesstransactionsheconductedastheproduceroftheoutdoorsportscabletelevisionshow, BorntobeWild.TheSubcommitteemetonSeptember15. Outcome:TheSubcommitteeissueditsadvisoryopiniononSeptember17thatSen.Chaudarydidnot haveaconflictofinterestastheauthorofa2007lawregardingindependentcontractors,nordidhe haveaconflictofinterestindraftinga2008amendmentrequiringMinnesotastateandlocal governmentagenciestogivepreferenceinthebidprocesstoMinnesotamanufacturerswhen purchasingsnowmobiles.Additionally,hispurchaseofadiscountedArcticCatsnowmobile,usedonthe televisionshow,wasnotaprohibitedgiftfromalobbyistprincipal. AdvisoryOpiniononConflictofInterest[andotherdocuments]

2006

Sen.DeanJohnson

AcomplaintwasfiledonMarch22,2006,overrecordedcommentsthatSen.Johnsonmadeata gatheringofclergyinSpicer,Minnesota,onJanuary19.Sen.Johnsonspokeaboutallegedconversations hehadwithmembersoftheMinnesotaSupremeCourtconcerningwhethertheCourtwaslikelytofind thattheMinnesotastatutesthatprohibitandrefusetorecognizeamarriagebetweentwopersonsof thesamesexwereunconstitutional.TheSubcommitteemetonMarch24. Outcome:TheSubcommitteesMarch24resolutionrecommendedtotheCommitteeonRulesand AdministrationthatSen.JohnsonmakeapublicapologyontheSenateFloorandapologizetothe individualswhoorganizedthemeetinginSpicer.OnMarch27,Sen.Johnsondeliveredanapologytothe MinnesotaSenateandhisDistrict13constituentsontheSenatefloor.Healsodeliveredalettertothe personwhoconvenedthemeetingofclergyinJanuary.Afterdeliveryoftheapologies,thecomplaint wasformallydismissedonMarch31. ConductofSenatorDeanE.Johnson:FinalReport

2004

Sen.MichaelJungbauer

AcomplaintwassubmittedonMay5,2004,allegingthatSen.JungbauerusedSenateequipmentfor politicalpurposes.TheSubcommitteemetonMay11,June28,andNovember17toconsiderwhether Sen.Jungbauersconductinsendingoutanemailnotificationofacertainpressconferenceviolated Senateadministrativepolicyandconstitutedimproperconduct.

Outcome:InaNovember17resolution,theSubcommitteefoundthatSen.Jungbauerfailedtoexercise duecarewhenheinstructedhislegislativeassistanttodistributeanemailpromotingapressconference thatincludedcampaignfundraisingpleas.TheydeterminedthatneitherSen.Jungbauernorhisassistant understoodthatthepressconferencewouldincludepoliticalcampaignactivity.TheSubcommittee recommendedthatSen.JungbauermakeawrittenapologytotheSenateandhisDistrict48 constituents.Upondeliveryoftheapology,alsoonNovember17,thecomplaintwasdismissed. ConductofSenatorMichaelJ.Jungbauer:FinalReport

2004 Sen.BrianLeClair

OnFebruary9,2004,Sen.LeClairaskedtheSubcommitteetodeterminewhetherhehadaconflictof interestasthechiefauthoroftwoinsurancerelatedbills,SF15andSF1602.Hewasaninsuranceagent with,andvicepresidentof,LeClairInsurance.TheSubcommitteemetonMarch10toconsiderSen. LeClairsrequest. Outcome:InanadvisoryopinionissuedonMarch12,theSubcommitteedeterminedthatSen.LeClair hadnoconflictofinterestasthechiefauthorofeitherofthetwobills. AdvisoryOpiniononConflictofInterest[andSen.LeClair'sletterofrequest]

1999

Sen.DallasSams

OnDecember1,1998,Sen.SamsrequestedthattheSubcommitteedetermineifhehadaconflictof interestregardinghisworkasaconsultanttotheUniversityofMinnesota.HewaspaidbytheUniversity tohelpestablishtheMinnesotaAgricultureEducationLeadershipCouncil.Hehadbeeninvolvedinthe legislationcreatingtheCouncil.HewasalsopaidbytheUniversity,viaastatecontractwithathird party,torevamptheUniversitysprograminagriculturaleducation.Thematterwasheardbythe SubcommitteeonDecember16,1998,andJanuary12,1999. Outcome:InitsJanuary29advisoryopinion,theSubcommitteefoundthatSen.Samsworkforthe Universitydidnotconstituteaconflictofinterest.However,theSubcommitteeconsideredSen.Sams conductinattemptingtoconcealthepaymentviaathirdpartytoavoidnegativepoliticalperceptions unethicalandimproper.TheSubcommitteerecommendedthattheSenatereprimandSen.Sams; orderSen.SamstoissueapublicapologytotheSenate,hisDistrict11constituents,andthepublic;and removeSen.SamsasamemberandvicechairoftheHumanResourcesFinanceCommittee.Sen.Sams apologizedontheflooroftheSenateonFebruary1. AdvisoryOpinionIssuedto,andattheRequestofSenatorDallasSams[andotherdocuments]

1999

Sen.DanStevens

OnDecember16,1998,Sen.Stevensrequestedanadvisoryopiniontodeterminewhetherhis acceptanceofaprojectmanagerpositionwiththeC.E.RogersCompany,andworktosecureagrantfor thecompanyandthecityofMora,wouldpresentaconflictofinterestwithhisdutiesasasenator.The SubcommitteemetonJanuary12,1999. Outcome:InitsJanuary13advisoryopinion,theSubcommitteedeterminedtherewasnoconflictof interestpresentedbySen.StevensworkwiththeC.E.RogersCompanyorthecityofMora. AdvisoryOpiniononConflictofInterest[andotherdocuments]

1998

JohnF.Berglund,Lobbyist

OnMarch13,1998,acomplaintwasfiledwiththeSubcommitteeagainstJohnBerglund,registered lobbyistfortheMinnesotaLicensedBeverageAssociation,forfurnishingfalsestatementstosenators duringadebateonloweringthestatesdrunkdrivinglimit.Thestatementswereincludedinaflyer distributedtomembersontheSenatefloor.Thestatementswerefalseandfalselyattributedto KatherineBurkeMoorewiththeDepartmentofPublicSafety.TheSubcommitteemetonMarch25. Outcome:InanApril7resolution,theSubcommitteerecommendedthatMr.Berglundacknowledgeto Ms.BurkeMooreandtheSenatethathewascarelessandnegligentinfailingtoverifythestatements. Mr.BerglunddidsoonApril9,andthecomplaintwasdismissed. ConductofJohnF.Berglund,FinalReport

1996 Sen.JoeBertram

OnSeptember29,1995,Sen.JoeBertramSr.pleadedguiltytoapettymisdemeanorforstealinga leathervestfromaclothingstore.TheownerofthestoreallegedthatSen.Bertramofferedhim$1000if theownermadenomentionoftheincidenttothepolice.Sen.Bertramresignedhistwocommittee chairpositionsonOctober3.OnDecember11,theSenateMajorityLeaderRogerMoerequestedthe SubcommitteeexaminewhatdisciplinaryactionstheSenateshouldtakeagainstSen.Bertram.On December20,aformalcomplaintwasfiled,andtheSubcommitteemetonJanuary3,1996. Outcome:Sen.BertramresignedonJanuary9shortlybeforetheSubcommitteewasscheduledtomeet todeterminesanctions. MaterialsRelatedtotheEthicalConductofSen.JoeBertram

1996

Sen.KevinChandler

OnAugust11,1995,Sen.Chandlerpleadedguiltytoassaultinthefifthdegreeforslappinghiswifewith anopenhandonJuly26.OnOctober3,heresignedhisSenateleadershippositions.OnDecember12, theSenateMajorityLeaderRogerMoeaskedtheSubcommitteetoconsiderwhetherdisciplinaryactions wereappropriate,andonDecember20,aformalcomplaintwasfiled.OnDecember27,Sen.Chandler announcedhewouldnotseekreelection,andonJanuary3,1996,hesubmittedawrittenapologytothe Senate.TheSubcommitteemetonJanuary3andJanuary9.Sen.Chandlerdeclinedtoappearateither hearing. Outcome:InaJanuary9resolution,theSubcommitteestatedthatSen.Chandlersresignationfromhis leadershippositionswasappropriatedisciplinaryactionandrecommendedthatheapologizetothe Senateinopensession.Sen.ChandlerapologizedontheSenateflooronJanuary16. ConductofSenatorKevinM.Chandler,ReporttotheCommitteeonRulesandAdministration

1996

Sen.SamSolon

Sen.Solonwasinvestigatedin199394,andagainin1995,forprovidingtheSenateslongdistance accesscodetoothers. InMarch1993,multipleinvestigationsoftheLegislatureslongdistancetelephonesystemwerebegun todeterminewhetherunauthorizedcallshadbeenmadeusingpublicfunds.Sen.Solonallowedhis roommateandotherstousehisSenateaccesscodefornonSenatebusiness.Hemaderestitutionfor theunauthorizedcalls.OnMay12,Sen.SolonapologizedtotheSenatefortheembarrassmentand notorietythatgivingouttheSenateslongdistancetelephoneaccesscodehadcausedthebody.On May13,Sen.SolonstatedthathewouldappearbeforetheSubcommittee,butwouldlikeany SubcommitteeactiontobetakenonlyafterthecompletionoftheAttorneyGeneralsinvestigationof thematter.Withthatinvestigationclosed,onMarch18,1994,Sen.Solonrequestedthatthe SubcommitteedeterminewhetherhisactiontoprovidetheSenatesaccesscodetootherswas improper. Outcome:OnMarch24,1994,aSenateresolutionformallyreprimandedSen.Solonforhisconductin providingtheSenateslongdistancetelephoneaccesscodetoothersandforallowingotherstousehis Senateofficeandtelephoneforpersonalbusiness.Sen.Solonwasrequiredtomakerestitutionand apologizetotheSenate. In1995,theRamseyCountyAttorneysOffice,continuingtheinvestigationtheOfficebeganin1993, discoveredthatSen.SolonsexwifehadusedtheSenatesaccesscodein1992and1993.OnDecember 5,1995,Sen.Solonpleadedguiltytoamisdemeanorchargearisingfromhisroleinhermisuseofthe

Senatetelephonesystem.AlsoonDecember5,SenateMajorityLeaderRogerMoeaskedthe SubcommitteetodeterminethedisciplinaryactiontheSenateshouldtakeagainstSen.Solon.Sen.Solon resignedhiscommitteechairpositiononDecember12.OnDecember20,aformalcomplaintwasfiled, andtheSubcommitteemetonJanuary3andJanuary9,1996. Outcome:TheSubcommitteesJanuary9resolutionnotedthatSen.Solonsresignationaschairofthe CommitteeonCommerceandConsumerProtectionwasanappropriatedisciplinaryaction.The SubcommitteerecommendedthatheberemovedfromtheCommitteeonRulesandAdministrationand thatheapologizetotheSenateinopensession.Sen.SolonapologizedtothefullSenateonJanuary16. SenateSpecialCommitteeonEthicalConductRe:SenatorSamG.Solon(1994)Appendix.(1994) ConductofSenatorSamG.Solon:ReporttotheCommitteeonRulesandAdministration(1996)

1996 Sen.LeRoyStumpf

Sen.StumpfrequestedanadvisoryopinionfromtheSubcommitteeonMarch18,1996,todetermineif hehadaconflictofinterestasaconsultanttotheRedLakeWatershedDistrict.Sen.Stumpfhadbeen criticizedinaStarTribunearticleforsponsoringbillstogetstatefundsforabeavercontrolprogramin northwesternMinnesotawhilereceiving$14,000inconsultingfeesfromtheagency.TheSubcommittee metonMarch20andMarch22. Outcome:TheSubcommitteesMarch22advisoryopinionfoundthatSen.Stumpfsworkasaconsultant didnotconstituteaconflictofinterest. MaterialsRelatingtotheSenateSubcommitteeonEthicalConductInvestigationofSen.LeRoy Stumpf(1996)

1995

Sen.FlorianChmielewski

OnDecember5,1995,Sen.ChmielewskipleadedguiltytoagrossmisdemeanorformisusingtheSenate telephonesystembyprovidinghisaccesscodetohissonandotherfamilymembers.OnDecember11 heresignedhispositionsasChairoftheTransportationandPublicTransitCommitteeandPresidentPro TemoftheMinnesotaSenate.OnDecember12SenateMajorityLeaderRogerMoerequestedthe SubcommitteedeterminewhatdisciplinaryactionagainstSen.Chmielewskiwouldbeappropriate,and onDecember20,aformalcomplaintwasfiled.Sen.ChmielewskirequestedthattheSubcommittee hearingscheduledforJanuary9,1996,becontinued;therequestwasgranted.Hearingswere subsequentlyheldonJune19andJune27,1996.Sen.Chmielewskideclinedtoappearateitherhearing.

Outcome:TheSubcommitteesresolution,passedonJune27,recommendedthatSen.Chmielewskibe removedfromtwocommittees,denieduseoftheSenatetelephoneaccesscodewhenawayfromthe Capitol,notbereimbursedforlodgingexpenses,andtreatedasafirsttermSenatorforthepurposesof interimappointments.However,theSubcommitteesresolutionhadtobeapprovedbytheSenateRules andAdministrationCommittee,whichhadnoscheduledmeetingsuntilthefollowingyear.Sen. Chmielewskiwasdefeatedintheprimaryelectionof1996. MaterialsRelatingtotheSenateSubcommitteeonEthicalConductInvestigationofSen.Florian Chmielewski(1995)

1995

Sen.HaroldSkipFinn

OnAugust17,1994,Sen.Finnpleadedguiltytomisdemeanorchargesinvolvingtheftof$13,345from theLeechLakeBand.(Helaterwithdrewthisconditionalguiltypleawhenthetermsofhissentencing, onMarch3,1995,werehigherthanhewouldaccept.) AcomplaintwasfiledwiththeSubcommitteeonJanuary3,1995.TheSubcommitteemetatotalof eighttimesJanuary27,March10,March21,March29,April3,April19,May5andMay17to determinethescopeofthecomplaint,gatherdocumentationaboutthefederalcasefacingSen.Finn, andidentifypotentialwitnessestointerview. Outcome:TheSubcommitteeencounteredseveralobstaclestogettinglivetestimonyfromwitnesses andwasnotabletocompleteitsproceedingsbeforetheendofthe1995session. Sen.FinnwasindictedonJune7forconspiringtosteal,withtwoothermen,nearly$1millionfromthe Band.OnOctober3,heresignedhisleadershippositions.Hewasconvictedthefollowingyear,onApril 12,1996.Sen.FinnresignedfromtheSenateonApril26,effectiveJuly1.OnSeptember5,Sen.Finnwas sentencedtonearlyfiveyearsinprison. MaterialsfromtheSenateSubcommitteeonEthicalConduct,Vol.3,1995(includingmaterials onSenatorHaroldFinn)

1994

Sen.SamSolon

(See1996entry.)