FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
MDP Files Ethics Complaint Against State Treasurer Bruce Poliquin
AUGUSTA, ME - The Maine Democratic Party has filed an ethics complaint against State Treasurer Bruce Poliquin for failing to disclose financial information required by law. In the most recent financial disclosure form filed in February 2011, Treasurer Poliquin fails to list any businesses as areas of self employment, despite the fact that he currently serves as the clerk and registered agent of Dirigo Holding LLC and is the owner of the Popham Beach club.
In addition to the ethics violation, Poliquin's business activities are currently being investigated by Attorney General William Schneider, at the request of State Representative Mark Dion, D-Portland. The Maine Constitution prohibits the state treasurer from engaging in commerce while serving in office. According to recent news stories, Poliquin was well aware of the constitutional requirement before assuming office as state treasurer, but continued to engage in his business operation.
Maine Democratic Party Chair Ben Grant released this statement:
"There's a good reason the Maine Constitution makes these requirements of the state treasurer. We need to be 100% sure that the person in charge of Maine's bank accounts is beyond reproach, and not using the position for personal gain. What I find most troubling, though, is that Poliquin thinks he is above the law. He was aware of this requirement and chose to ignore it. I don't recall his oath of office including an asterisk. Perhaps if he had spent more time over the last year concentrating on his duties, and less time proselytizing about all the bad things in Maine, this would not have happened. Bruce Poliquin should be held accountable for his failure to disclose his business dealings and the Ethics Commission and the attorney general should take all appropriate measures in response to this information. Anything less would be unacceptable."
Click here to download the formal complaint.