March 10, 2023
To: Members of the Ethics Commission
From: Patrick Ford, Director of Enforcement
Subject: AGENDA ITEM 6: Proposed Stipulation, Decision and Order In the Matter of Deborah Raphael (SFEC Complaint No. 2122-028/2122-359).
Summary
This memorandum provides information regarding the Proposed Stipulation appearing in this agenda item and what the Commission may do next regarding this Proposed Stipulation.
Action Requested
The Commission may approve the Proposed Stipulation by majority vote, or it may provide guidance to Commission Staff regarding the Proposed Stipulation.
Regulatory Background
Pursuant to the Commission’s Enforcement Regulations, the Executive Director may enter negotiations with a respondent at any time to resolve the factual and legal allegations in a complaint by way of a stipulated order (i.e. a negotiated settlement). Enf. Reg. § 12(A). The Regulations require that the stipulated order set forth the pertinent facts and may include an agreement as to anything that could be ordered by the Commission under its authority pursuant to Charter section C3.699-13. Id.
Immediately after the Executive Director enters a stipulated order with a respondent, the Executive Director must inform the Commission of the proposed stipulation. Enf. Reg. § 12(E). Thereafter, any member of the Commission may request that the stipulated order be reviewed in public session by the full panel of the Commission during its next meeting. Id.
As of today, no Commissioner had requested review of the attached stipulated order in public session by the full panel of the Commission. It therefore appears on the Consent Calendar. The Commission may approve the stipulation by majority vote, or it may provide guidance to Commission Staff regarding the Proposed Stipulation. Enf. Reg. 12(F).
Members of the public may comment on the Proposed Stipulation, noting that the Commission receives public comment once for all consent items collectively.
Attachment
2023.03.10 – Agenda item 6 – 2122-028 – Raphael – Stipulation and Order