News Summary
Ken Loveless, former school board member in Lexington-Richland 5, is contesting a $6,000 ethics fine from the South Carolina Ethics Commission. The fine follows a conviction related to his involvement in the construction of Piney Woods Elementary School. His attorney argues misinterpretation of ethics laws, while Loveless claims his actions weren’t a violation. As legal battles unfold, Loveless continues to fight for vindication in a saga that captivates the local community.
Lexington-Richland 5’s Ken Loveless Takes a Stand Against Ethics Fine
In an unfolding drama that has captured the attention of both locals and ethics enthusiasts, former Lexington-Richland 5 school board member Ken Loveless is making headlines yet again as he challenges a hefty $6,000 ethics fine imposed by the South Carolina Ethics Commission. This fine stems from a controversial conviction earlier this year, leaving many scratching their heads and wondering what comes next for Loveless and the education community.
The Background Story
Loveless found himself in hot water after a conviction in March 2023 on four ethics charges related to his involvement in the building process of Piney Woods Elementary School. Talk about a slippery slope! His attorney, Desa Ballard, is adamantly claiming that the Ethics Commission is misinterpreting the ethics laws established back in 1992, setting the stage for a complex legal battle.
The crux of Loveless’s argument lies in the early advisory opinions issued by the Ethics Commission, which noted that certain actions were “not prohibited” but advised caution to avoid any appearance of impropriety. Yet, what defines “appearance” isn’t clearly stated in the ethics statute. It seems like those gray areas are where trouble can brew.
A Peek into the Charges
So, what exactly landed Loveless in this pickle? The charges originate from actions Loveless took in 2020 while he was associated with Contract Construction, the very company involved in the Piney Woods project. The Ethics Commission determined that he had inquired about Contract Construction’s work in a letter to the superintendent and participated in discussions at board meetings regarding the project.
Notably, the Ethics Commission has made it clear in past rulings that public officials must step back from discussions if their business interests could benefit from those decisions. Loveless, however, contests this notion, arguing that his actions did not fit the definition of getting involved in a “government decision” as pointed out in the Ethics Act.
The Commission’s Counterattack
In a twist that no one saw coming, the commission’s general counsel, Courtney Laster, argued that what Loveless did definitely falls under the purview of official actions, justifying their ruling against him. However, not all was decided during the most recent hearing. In fact, three members of the commission recused themselves due to their prior involvement with the case, leaving the future uncertain.
Interestingly enough, Loveless wasn’t found guilty of a fourth charge related to a school board visit to the Piney Woods site, as there wasn’t enough evidence to back up that claim. So perhaps this battle is more nuanced than it initially appeared.
Past Elections and Legal Woes
Loveless had previously recused himself from discussions about the $23 million Piney Woods construction after learning the ins and outs from the Ethics Commission. But the saga didn’t end there; a complaint led to a rigorous two-year legal struggle regarding his conduct with Contract Construction.
Adding fuel to the fire, Loveless lost his reelection bid in November 2022 by a mere 14 votes. With his political career hanging in the balance, he continues to seek an appeal against the Ethics Commission’s ruling.
Legal Actions and Future Steps
In a dramatic turn of events, Loveless has also filed a federal lawsuit, alleging retaliatory actions from former school board members who he claims targeted him because of his criticisms regarding the Piney Woods project. Even though that lawsuit was dismissed, he isn’t backing down. Loveless is now attempting to include those who may have wronged him in a separate defamation case against current school board member Kevin Scully.
As Loveless battles it out in court, one thing is for sure: the story isn’t over just yet. The ethics fine, legal challenges, and his quest for vindication paint a picture of a man determined to clear his name in the eyes of the community. Meanwhile, the dynamics within the Lexington-Richland 5 school board will certainly be worth keeping an eye on as this contentious saga unfolds.
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