Lord & Taylor! Board of Education member Chris Taylor rarely disappoints when it comes to controversy.
For more than a year the State Elections Enforcement Commission investigated a complaint brought by former school board member Maria Pereira that Taylor violated state law when he was elected as a Republican to the Board of Education while residing in Fairfield for years. He was voting in Bridgeport but living in Fairfield.
On Wednesday the commission voted unanimously to accept a consent agreement by both parties, that includes a $750 fine, to bring resolution to the matter. Except Taylor and his lawyer Mark Balaban claim they agreed to nothing. Read seectaylordecision
“I did not enter into any consent agreement,” Taylor told OIB Wednesday night by phone. “My lawyer didn’t either. It’s all BS.”
Taylor added that discussions did take place about a resolution but they “were all crazy” offers by the state.
Balaban was engaged in conversations with SEEC Attorney Kevin Ahern to seek a consent agreement, as was announced by the SEEC in public session Wednesday. The body did not reveal any details in the public session about the “consent agreement” after meeting in executive session.
Late Wednesday afternoon, as provided by Taylor, Ahern sent this email to Balaban:
From: Ahern, Kevin <Kevin.Ahern@ct.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, September 2, 2020 5:07 PM
To: Mark Balaban <mbalaban@balabanlaw.com>
Subject: 2019-038 Final ResolutionMark,
The Commission voted today to formally accept our agreement by a vote of 4-0 as a final resolution of File No. 2019-038, which includes the UAPA hearing pending before hearing officer Andrew Cascudo. Attached is the agreement signed by General Counsel Michael Brandi and ratified by Vice-Chair Salvatore Bramante.While it is only a formality, I would appreciate it if you would please have your client sign this agreement, or, as discussed, you may sign it on his behalf as his attorney of record.
As stated in the agreement, upon compliance of your client with the order, including payment of the agreed upon civil penalty, the file will be closed and the Commission shall not initiate any further proceedings pertaining to the question of Mr. Taylor’s bona fide residence for voting purposes in Bridgeport on the facts and evidence presented in the Complaint.
I look forward to working with you in the future.
Yours,
KevinP.S. By way of a heads up, we have already had several press inquiries for this agreement. Now that the matter is resolved, the non-exempted items in the file—including but not limited to the agreement—will be subject to FOIA.
Balaban’s response:
Kevin,
My client NEVER agreed to any of the proposals. I have been waiting for return calls for over two months.
Thank you. Best,
Mark
The SEEC has civil authority over elections complaints. From the ruling:
Do not let the State Elections Enforcement Commission anywhere near the Columbus Statue!
Well, this makes the resolution as clear as mud.
All in favor say aye, opposed nay; the ayes have it I think.
At least it’s the conclusion that Maria deserves.
You must have struck your head and had a conclusion.
*** Its nothing new, the SEEC continues to show its inability to either control nor render a smart decision when it comes to anything that has to do with state of Ct. elections laws or enforcement when these laws, & or guidelines are violated weather by accident or on purpose. The Ct. S.E.E.C is & has been for a long time incapable of doing the job that they are met to do under the state’s elections legal guidelines & mandate. ***