The public resolution letter

Office of Campaign and Political Finance · from OCPF · released Aug 28, 2018 · 2 pages · 49 KB
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THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
OFFICE OF CAMPAIGN & POLITICAL FINANCE

ONE ASHBURTON PLACE, ROOM 471
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02108

TEL: (617) 979-8300
(800) 462-OCPF
FAX: (617) 727-6549

MICHAEL J. SULLIVAN
DIRECTOR

August 28, 2018

John Barrett

c/o Thomas Kiley, Esq.

Cosgrove Eisenberg and Kiley, P.C.
One International Place, Suite 1820
Boston, MA 02110

Re: © CPF-18-73
Dear Mr. Barrett:

This office has completed its review of a complaint we received alleging that you solicited
contributions for the Arrigo Committee’s (“the Committee”) June 5, 2018 event. The complaint
alleged that as a public employee, you are prohibited from engaging in such political fundraising
activities, :

During our review, we learned that you are employed as the Chief Building Inspector in the
Building Department/Inspectional Services by the Town of Winthrop. The campaign finance law
states that public employees may not “. . . directly or indirectly solicit or receive any gift, payment,
contribution . .. or promise of money or other thing of value for the political campaign purpose of
any candidate for public office. ...” See M.G.L. c. 55, § 13.

As soon as OCPF notified the Committee of this complaint, the Committee chose not to
accept any contributions at the June 5 event. Additionally, the Committee has returned all
contributions received in connection with this event.

While the June 5 event did not ultimately raise funds for the Committee, you have stated that
you have been present at a number of Arrigo fundraising events. You have, on occasion, sat at the
welcome table, engaged with guests, and passed along checks that attendees handed to you to a
member of the Arrigo Committee. Based upon our review, we have concluded that your actions at
the fundraising events did not comply with Section 13.

The complaint further alleged that you collected funds for the Committee from construction
related trades while performing your building inspector duties. You have denied this allegation and
the office has been provided no additional evidence to support this claim.

‘) www.ocpf.us E-mail: ocpf@cpf.state.ma.us

we

John Barrett
August 28, 2018
Page 2

Due to the Committee’s cancellation of the June 5 fundraising aspect of the event and
because we believe the guidance provided as a result of this review will ensure future compliance
with the campaign finance law, this office considers this matter closed. In accordance with the
opinion of the Supervisor of Public Records, this letter is a public record. A copy is being provided
to the person(s) who brought this matter to our attention.

Sincerely,

Heol, (Man

Michael J. Sullivan
Director

MJS/sh
ce: Arrigo Committee