STATE OF MINNESOTA

CAMPAIGN FINANCE AND PUBLIC DISCLOSURE BOARD

FINDINGS IN THE MATTER OF THE ACCEPTANCE OF

A CONTRIBUTION DURING THE REGULAR 2002 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

BY THE KATIE SIEBEN VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE

PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

In a letter dated August 25 2002, Matthew Wolsfeld, treasurer for the Katie Sieben Volunteer Committee, stated, "On May 15, 2002, our committee accepted a check from Lobbyist…for $100. We were in error in accepting this contribution, however, we did not realize our error until after the 60 day period for returning errant contributions had expired. We subsequently have returned the $100 contribution directly to [lobbyist]." The regular 2002 legislative session was held from January 29 to May 20, 2002.

This matter was considered by the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board ("Board") in executive session on August 28, 2002.

Based on the record before it, the Board issues the following:

STATEMENT OF THE EVIDENCE

1. The Katie Sieben Volunteer Committee reported accepting a contribution on May 15, 2002, of $100 from a lobbyist registered with the Board. The regular 2002 legislative Session was held from January 29 to May 20, 2002.

2. The Katie Sieben Volunteer Committee's treasurer notified the Board of the acceptance of the contribution from a registered lobbyist during the regular 2002 legislative session by letter dated August 25, 2002. The Committee's treasurer stated that the contribution had been returned to the lobbyist.

3. Board records show that this is the first calendar year in which the Katie Sieben Volunteer Committee reported acceptance of contributions from registered lobbyists, political committees, or political funds during the regular legislative session.

Based on the above Statement of the Evidence, the Board makes the following:

FINDING CONCERNING PROBABLE CAUSE

There is probable cause to believe that the Katie Sieben Volunteer Committee violated Minn. Stat. 10A.273 by accepting a contribution from a registered lobbyist during the regular session of the legislature in 2002.

Based on the above Finding Concerning Probable Cause, the Board issues the following:

ORDER

1. In lieu of forwarding the above public finding of probable cause to the county attorney in Ramsey County to pursue a judgment in district court, the Board imposes a civil fine of $100 on the Katie Sieben Volunteer Committee for acceptance of a contribution during the regular 2002 legislative session.

2. The Katie Sieben Volunteer Committee is directed to forward to the Board payment of the civil fine, by check or money order payable to the STATE OF MINNESOTA, within thirty days after receipt of this order.

3. If the Katie Sieben Volunteer Committee does not comply with the provisions of this order, the Board's Executive Director shall refer this matter to the Ramsey County Attorney for civil enforcement pursuant to Minn. Stat. 10A.273.

4. The Board investigation of this matter is entered into the public record in accordance with Minn. Stat. 10A.02, subd. 11, and upon payment by the Katie Sieben Volunteer Committee of the civil fine imposed herein, the matter is concluded.

Dated:____________________________ __________________________________

Douglas A. Kelley, Chair

Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board