Commentary by TrueDialog.org's Founder, Carl Lindemann

July 17 - Justice Trickles Down at the Maine Ethics Commission

At yesterday's monthly meeting of the Maine Ethics Commission, the first step towards what appears to be Jean Ginn Marvin's inevitable departure took place as she lost had her position as Commission chair. It was done in a low-key fashion so that you might not even notice it. Or, actually, so that the Associated Press reporter in attendance at the meeting might not report it. When the opportunity for public comment came almost four hours later, I suggested that for the good of the Commission Ginn Marvin might step aside till the allegations against her are either confirmed or cleared. Not a chance. Though she seems intent on staying, it appears that damage control is now in full swing. Expect replacement candidates for her position to be announced soon. Whether she stands her ground, steps down or is replaced, it is necessary that an investigation go forward. It is the only way to insure the integrity of the commission and, with it, the state's electoral process.

In the meantime, the conservative media spoke out - or maintained stoic silence - in response to the newspaper coverage of TrueDialog.org's call for an investigation into Ginn Marvin. As Maine Goes' Editor/CENSOR Scott Fish (see July 14 entry below) or another AMGer have always had the confidence to initiate a thread with any such coverage that has come in the past. After censoring the last thread, I guess they decided that silence is golden. Well, censorship is censorship whether or not it happens after statements are made or if it is through shutting down the possibility for any discussion whatsoever. 

Meanwhile WLOB, the top talk radio station in Southern Maine did touch on the matter.  Host Ray Richardson did not address the issues at the Ethics Commission so much as encourage Maine Heritage Policy Center to also go into damage control mode.  He suggested a public debate between MHPC's Bill Becker and myself. I'm game. Is Becker?  Becker shied away from the opportunity to engage me in the now-censored As Maine Goes discussion. 

Check the clip here (47 sec)

Richardson is an interesting character and has shown himself willing to allow people to have their say, listen to what they have to say, and then offer his take. I caught up with him in an e-mail exchange this morning, I detailed the substantive, larger concerns that have not been covered by the media as yet:

The principles at stake here exist above and beyond personalities and partisan identities. Ginn Marvin's failure to disclose points to the fact that Ethics Commissioners are NOT required to file the same annual disclosures as the legislators they regulate. At most, they only disclose when first applying and then once again after a three year term if they seek reappointment. That's an invitation to trouble, and should be changed.

Worse, Ginn Marvin remains on the Commission despite the fact that her term ended in April and she is not seeking reappointment. How's that? When the sponsoring political party does not offer candidates for a successor, a Commissioner can serve indefinitely. There is NO DOUBT that Ginn Marvin would not be able to be reappointed at this time. Being the treasurer of MHPC is an automatic disqualifier (regulated individuals and the officers of regulated entities are specifically excluded). But, look at the principle here - having Commissioners disclose only once every three years is already inadequate. Now, after failing to make an adequate initial disclosure, Ginn Marvin doesn't have to make any disclosure again whatsoever!

Does that seem like the proper way to run an "Ethics Commission"? Shouldn't the Commissioners be subject to the same standards as the legislators? And, if they are disqualified for reappointment because of conflicts, should they be able to sidestep the reappointment process?

These are the principled objections to former Ethics Commission Chair Ginn Marvin's conduct, and hopefully they will bring improvements to the operation of the Ethics Commission.

Turning the conversation away from Ginn Marvin and the Ethics Commission, Ray checked the TrueDialog.org site and offered this concern:

I share his concern, and want to be even-handed here.  So, as I said to him, I eagerly accept suggestions of organizations that we should look at that abuse not-for-profit status to operate as "front groups" for political causes. In the meantime, please scroll down to see the July 10 entry below for discussion of progressive spin.

In any case, as I've done before (even on As Maine Goes), I applaud Ray for his willingness to engage in thoughtful consideration of principles ahead of partisanship. 

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