MAINE

The Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices is an independent state agency that administers Maine's campaign finance laws, the Maine Clean Election Act, and the lobbyist disclosure law. It also issues advisory opinions and conducts investigations regarding legislative ethics. It guards against corruption and undue influence of the election process by state, county, and certain municipal elected officials by adopting procedures, rules, and regulations to conduct its duties promptly, fairly, and efficiently. The Commission consists of five members jointly appointed by the Governor and Legislative Leaders for three-year terms.

Contact Information:
135 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333
Telephone: (207) 287-4179
Fax: (207) 287-6775

COGEL Members:

Jonathan Wayne
Executive Director
Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics & Election Practices
Augusta, ME 04333
Telephone: (207) 287-4179
Email: [email protected]ov

Largest City:

Portland
The City of Portland does not have an ethics commission or an ethics code but its website provides information on the city's different committees and functions.

Largest County:

Cumberland County
Cumberland County does not have an ethics commission or an ethics code.

Point of Interest:

Cumberland County is a member of National Association of Counties (NACO), which commits officials of member counties to an informal self-imposed code of ethics. While this code of ethics is not case specific for Cumberland County it exemplifies the county's commitment to ethical behavior amongst county officials despite the lack of an ethics commission.

Common Cause has a chapter in Maine. Together with the Maine Media & Democracy coalition, both are pushing for net neutrality. Maine was one of the first states to make a stance on net neutrality and its importance.

Mitchell W. Goldberg, intern, General Counsel's Office, City of Jacksonville Florida 7/5/07