The Missouri Ethics Commission has determined that I could either have a full hearing in Jefferson City on September 24th on the proposed violation or pay a $200 fine. Since the cost of taking a lawyer to a hearing in Jeff City is far greater than the $200 fine...it seemed to be the best option.
It was clear from the beginning as I was bombarded by countless questions that it wasn't going my way. Here's an example: Becker: Both Wally Duncan and Bill Bach have repeatedly said they never received any notification and never received a letter from me regarding the date of the Dispute Hearing even though we contacted the city four different times: two by phone to the City's lawyer in St Louis, once by email (Feb 21) to the City's lawyer in St Louis and once by letter (Mar 14) to Mr. Bach.
It's not that I expected anything different, but I certainly went to the MU Advisory Board meeting on Monday with a glimmer of hope that these five businessmen of our community on that board would challenge the city employees or ask them to prove their statements.
SEMO.net's Dispute Hearing was held as scheduled with the Municipal Utilities Advisory Board. In attendance for the Advisory Board Dispute Hearing was Councilman Matthews, Chairman Bob Christian, Tucker Davis, and Richard Landers. Charles Moffit was on vacation. City Manager Bagby did not attend. I was allowed to make my presentation about the multiple accounting errors I believe Mr. Bach made two years ago in setting the rates for Open Access and claiming that my company was subsidized. The board was attentive and engaged during the entire meeting and I appreciated the opportunity to share my dispute officially/publicly.
We were notified that the dispute hearing would be held in the television studio at the Municipal Utilities building on 3000 N Westwood at 2pm on Monday, July 2. They have brought in plenty of seating for those who wish to attend the hearing. The 5-person Advisory Board making the decision consists of Councilman Lloyd Matthews, Tucker Davis, Bob Christian, Richard Landers, and Charles Moffit.
