As was reported
here, that rooster has now apparently come home to roost. In an initial motion with the State Ethics Commission (SEC), the Gilmer-Fannin Baptist Association (GFBA) has exercised their right to waive a preliminary ethics hearing.
According to the
Fannin Sentinel (1/17/08),
Quote:
"The hearing was to be the first step in reviewing charges brought forth against the GFBA in violating state ethics stemming from the November 6, 2007 Liquor-by-the-drink referendum...based on the evidence that the SEC has accumulated there is reasonable grounds to support the allegations."
"By waiving their rights to a hearing, the GFBA is not admitting to any wrongdoing on their part and will be presented with a letter from the SEC which they must acknowledge within 30 days to begin a plea bargain (in the form of a Consent Order), and the GFBA will have to negotiate the civil penalties involved."
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From my understanding, not meeting face-to-face with the SEC keeps most of the dialogue behind closed doors and away from the TV cameras, sort of like pleading nolo contendere? Anyone surprised by their 'defense' of the charges? Could this lead to a more equitable 're-vote' in the near future?