AUGUSTA — The ethics commission ruled today that it was permissible for former state Rep. Patricia Jones to use state campaign money to pay for an airplane ticket for her son.
Jones, a Mount Vernon Democrat, used $395.80 in Maine Clean Election Act funds to reimburse herself for an airplane ticket she bought for her adult son to fly to Maine to help her campaign. Jones used the state money only after seeking advice from an ethics commission staffer who told her it was an appropriate use of the funds.
But Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices executive director said he disagreed with the advice given by a former staffer, and had asked the commission to consider whether Jones should be required to repay the state for the expense.
In a 3-0 vote, the commission ruled that the expenditure had a “campaign-related purpose” and was a proper use of state money.
“He didn’t stay for Thanksgiving dinner,” said Commissioner Michael Healy. “It wasn’t a vacation.”
In a separate decision, the commission voted 3-0 to fine Jones, who lost the election, $100 for filing a lobbyist report two days late.
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