No ethics probe against Sheriff

James Madore
By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — The Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices has found that it has no jurisdiction in an Aroostook County Republican Committee complaint against Sheriff James Madore.
    The complaint, dated Sept. 3 and signed by Zachary E. Smith, chairman of the committee, alleged that Madore, a Democrat, had misused county property and employees in his re-election bid. The complaint includes copies of Madore’s Facebook page with contact information about his campaign. Madore’s opponent is Easton businessman David Salkind, a veteran with experience in law enforcement.
    Attached to the complaint are two affidavits. One is signed by Thomas Donahue, a Hammond resident,  stating that Madore was a guest speaker on Aug. 22 for the Presque Isle chapter of the Disabled American Veterans. In the affidavit, Donahue also stated that Madore distributed campaign materials and referred to himself as an incumbent candidate.
    The second affidavit is signed by Kelley Donahue, also a Hammond resident, who stated that on Aug. 22 Madore spoke at a meeting of the Ladies Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign War. She also stated that she saw Madore distribute campaign material. Both affidavits state that Madore’s campaign materials were in the trunk of an Aroostook County Sheriff’s vehicle.  
    The Sheriff told the Pioneer Times yesterday that he had not commented on the complaint. But, he did describe it as “ridiculous” adding that he didn’t have to justify anything he did not do.
    Jonathan Wayne, executive director of the commission, also spoke to the Pioneer Times and stated that the panel does not have jurisdiction in matters over ethics of county or municipal employees or allegations of misuse of public property for political purposes.
    Wayne added that he had conferred with Assistant Attorney General Phyllis Gardiner who is counsel to the commission. According to Wayne, the matter was reported to the five-member panel of commissioners at a Sept. 30 meeting when it was determined that they had no jurisdiction. Wayne also stated that if any criminality were involved, it would be something for law enforcement to consider and investigate.
    Smith also shared his reaction to the decision with the Pioneer Times, stating he failed to see how the matter is not under the jurisdiction of the Ethics Commission since candidates are required to file with them. He said the Republican Committee is evaluating the situation at this time to determine if they will take the matter any further.