Senate Republicans filed an ethics complaint against Senator Bobby Joe Champion (DFL-Minneapolis) for using his elected office to intimidate and manipulate the Minneapolis School Board by threatening to withhold state aid. He is accused of violating several Senate rules, including betraying the public trust. Senator Champion may have also financially benefited after his threat resulted in a contract awarded to Community Standards Initiative, whose founder is one of Senator Champion’s clients.
“After we filed the complaint against Senator Hayden, people from the community and members of the Senate questioned why we didn’t include Senator Champion, since he was accused of doing the same thing as Senator Hayden on at least one count. We believe there is enough evidence for the ethics committee to investigate the Minneapolis School Board’s accusations of intimidation, and look into any personal financial gains Senator Champion may have benefited from by forcing the school board into a contract with CSI,” said Republican Leader David Hann (R-Eden Prairie).
The request for an investigation follows a similar complaint against Senator Jeff Hayden (DFL-Minneapolis), filed on September 26, and scheduled to be heard on October 22. Pursuant to Senate Rule 55.4, the subcommittee must meet within 30 calendar days after receiving a complaint and either make a finding of no probable cause, vote to defer action until a certain time, or proceed with its investigation. The complaint is signed by Republican Senators David Hann and Roger Chamberlain (R-Lino Lakes).
The full text of the complaint follows.
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COMPLAINT
TO THE
SUBCOMMITTEE ON ETHICAL CONDUCT
REGARDING THE ACTIONS
OF
SENATOR BOBBY JOE CHAMPION
Senators David Hann and Roger Chamberlain each being first duly sworn, state and allege under oath the following based upon information and belief:
Complaint: Senator Champion used his position as a State Senator to unduly influence the Minneapolis School Board to approve a $375,000 contract to an organization that financially benefited his friends and associates.
- During the 2013-14 Biennium, the Minnesota Senate considered a bill appropriating $350,000 for a grant to the Minneapolis School District for a community engagement and empowerment project with Community Standards Initiative (CSI) to reduce the achievement gap.
- According to a StarTribune article dated September 12, 2014 (North Side school effort called failure), the Minneapolis School District agreed to contract with CSI on their own, without the legislature earmarking specific funds for this purpose.
- The StarTribune reported that Senator Champion and Senator Jeff Hayden “threatened to withhold state aid if Minneapolis school officials did not approve [a] contract” with Community Standards Initiative (CSI).
- The Minneapolis School Board subsequently entered into a $375,000 contract with CSI in May of 2014 without a competitive bid process. The District made the first payment to CSI in May for $46,875.
- The Minneapolis School Board recently announced CSI has yet to meet its goals and is not on track to meet its obligations. CSI will not receive additional funds if they are unable to fulfill the terms of the contract.
- The Community Standards Initiative was founded by Minneapolis community activist Al Flowers.
- Champion is representing Mr. Flowers in a legal matter and consequently has a professional and fiduciary relationship with him. As an agent of CSI, Mr. Flowers’ receipt of a $375,000 grant constitutes a financial benefit for Senator Champion.
- Champion misused his position as a state senator to unduly influence the Minneapolis School Board to approve a $375,000 contract to an organization that financially benefited his friends and associates, and possibly himself.
- Senate Rule 56 provides that members shall adhere to the highest standard of ethical conduct as embodied in the Minnesota Constitution, state law and these rules.
- Senate Rule 56.3 provides that improper conduct includes conduct that violates a rule of the Senate, violates accepted norms of Senate behavior, that betrays the public trust, or that tends to bring the Senate into dishonor or disrepute.
- Senate Rule 56.4 provides that “members of the Senate shall disclose potential conflicts of interest in the discharge of senatorial duties as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 10A.07.”
- Minnesota Statutes 10A.07 provides that a public official who in the discharge of official duties would be required to take an action or make a decision that would substantially affect the official’s financial interests or those of an associated business, unless the effect on the official is no greater than on other members of the official’s business classification, profession, or occupation, must disclose that action or decision and the nature of the potential conflict of interest to the presiding officer of their respective body.
- Champion’s conduct violates accepted norms of Senate behavior, betrays the public trust and brings the Senate into dishonor or disrepute.
- It is your complainants’ belief that based on the above information Senator Bobby Joe Champion violated Senate Permanent Rule 56.
Your complainants ask that the Subcommittee on Ethical Conduct investigate the details of this matter. Specifically, the Subcommittee should investigate the financial relationship between Senator Champion, his legal client Al Flowers, and CSI.
Your complainants respectfully request that all hearings on this matter be open to the public.
Your complainants ask that the Subcommittee on Ethical Conduct find that Senator Bobby Joe Champion violated Senate Permanent Rule 56 and Minnesota Statutes 10A.07 and that it recommends such disciplinary action as the Subcommittee finds appropriate.
Date: October 7, 2014
Senator David Hann
Senator Roger Chamberlain