Hutchinson Ethics Complaint
Content
ARKANSAS ETHICS COMMISSION
910 WEST SECOND STREET, SUITE 100
LITTLE ROCK, AR 72201
Phone (501) 324-9600 Toll Free (800) 422-7773
CITIZEN COMPLAINT FORM
The undersigned person files this complaint and requests that the Arkansas Ethics Commission
conduct an investigation concerning the facts and actions detailed below for the purpose of determining
whether or not there has been a violation of laws under the Commission's jurisdiction.
1. Identify the person you are complaining about:
Name: Asa Hutchinson
Position or Title: Governor of Arkansas
Address: 1800 Center St.
Phone: (Home)
Little Rock. AR 72201
(Work) (501)682-2345
2. State in your own words the detailed facts and the actions of the person named in section 1 which
prompted you to make this complaint. The brief space provided below is not intended to limit your
statement of facts. Please use the back of this form or additional sheets if necessary. Include relevant
dates, times, and the names, and addresses of other persons whom you believe have knowledge of the
facts.
See Attached
3. Attach or make reference to any documents, materials, minutes, resolutions or other evidence which
support your allegations.
I swear or affirm, under penalty of perjury, that
the facts set forth in this complaint are true and
correct to the best of my knowledge, information,
State of Arkansas
County of
and belief.
Subscribed and swom before me this
day
of
,
20
Signature:
Print your name: Matthew D. Campbell
Notary Signature:
Mailing address: P.O. Box 7469
My Commission Expires:.
Phone:(Home)_
Approved by the Arkansas Ethics Commission
C\Nork) (501)396-9246
Revised 06/01
Summary: Governor Asa Hutchinson appeared at two campaign events in support of State Sen.
Eddie Joe Williams on Monday, February 29, 2016, beginning at 7:30 a.m. and continuing until
roughly 11:00 a.m. In so doing doing, and by devoting time during normal business hours to Sen.
Williams' campaign. Gov. Hutchinson violated Ark. Code Ann. § 7-1-103.
Facts & Law: On February 28, 2016, Sen. Eddie Joe Williams posted an announcement on his
campaign Facebook page in reference to two "Meet & Greet with Asa Hutchinson" events to take
place on Monday, February 29, 2016. The first event was to begin at 7:30 a.m. at Grinds Coffee
Co. in Cabot, with the second event to follow at 9:00 a.m. at Vilonia Senior Citizen Center in
Vilonia. See Exhibit 1.
Pictures posted on Sen. Williams' Facebook page, as well as pictures posted on other Facebook
pages, confirmed that Gov. Hutchinson was at both events. Exhibit 2 (Cabot event) and Exhibit
3 (Vilonia event). A video of Gov. Hutchinson speaking in support of Sen. Williams at the Cabot
event is also available at:
https://www.facebook.eom/eddie.williams.5/videos/10156513170695542/
Under Arkansas law:
It shall be unlawful for any public servant, as defined in § 21-8-402, to devote any time or
labor during usual office hours toward the campaign of any other candidate for office or for
the nomination to any office.
Ark. Code Ann. § 7-1-103(a)(2)(A)(i). "Public servant" as it is defined in 21-8-402, includes "all
public officials, public employees, and public appointees." Ark. Code Ann. § 21-8-402(18).
"Public official" means "a legislator or any other person holding an elective office of any
governmental body." Ark. Code Ann. § 21-8-402(17). Thus, the prohibition in Ark. Code Ann. 7l-103(a)(2)(A)(i) applies to Gov. Hutchinson as a public official.
2016-03-31 Hutchinson Ethics Complaint
Page 1 of 2
The "usual office hours" of the Arkansas Governor's office are 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday. February 29,2016, was not a state of federal holiday. The Governor's usual office
hours that day were therefore 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. By "devot[ing] time or labor during usual
office hours" on February 29, 2016, Asa Hutchinson has violated Ark. Code Ann. § 7-1103(a)(2)(A)(i).
Furthermore, because Sen. Williams was seeking election to the office of Arkansas State Senator,
he is a state candidate, rather than a federal candidate. The Ethics Commission's decisions in Case
Nos. 2016-CO-008 and 2016-CO-009 specify that Ark. Code Ann. § 7-l-103(a)(2)(A)(i) applies to
instances where a public servant devotes time to the campaign of a state-level candidate.
Accordingly, because this complaint is proper under Ark. Code Ann. § 7-6-218(a), is signed, and
states facts constituting an alleged violation within the jurisdiction of the Arkansas Ethics
Commission, I request that this violation be investigate pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 7-6218(b)(1)(A).
2016-03-31 Hutchinson Ethics Complaint
Page 2 of 2
M
r
Exhibit 1
Go Eddie Joe Williams added an event.
February 28 •
' Eddie Joe
Williams
F E B M e e t a n d G r e e t w i t h G o v. A s a H u t c h i n .
' Vilonia Senior Citizens • Vilonia
^QQ
^ 2^people
going
Like
Comment
•k Interested
Share
0 5
Q
Wr i t e a c o m m e n t . . .
Go Eddie Joe Williams added an event.
February 28 •
FEB Meet and Greet with Gov Asa Hutchins.
Q
' Grinds
Coffee
Co. •going
Cabot
^ ^ 6Qpeople
interested
• 13 people
Like
P
Comment
Share
k Interested
©
Exhibit 2
^ state Senate District 29
and Greet wim Gov Asa Hutchinson
it
iA Public • Meetup • Hosted by Go Eddie Joe Williams
Interested
+ Going
G U E S T S
Q Monday
, February 29 at 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
about 1 month ago
G r i n d s C o ff e e C o .
1904 S Pine St, Cabot. Arkansas 72023
6
1 3
152
interested
went
invited
Show Map
R E L AT E D E V E N T S
A b o u t
Write Post
A d d P h o t o / Vi d e o
Write something...
Discussion
p r (SIJ, Saturday
ti Atchison
Back!
at Griisnds
Coffee Co.
Concert • 13 guests
Create Poll
Interested • Going
Jon Atchison Live ©Grinds!
Saturday at Grinds Coffee Co.
Concert
Interested • Going
Exhibit 3
-A- Interested
Public • Meetup • Hosted by Go Eddie Joe Williams
+ Going
GUESTS
Q Monday,
February 29 at 9 AM -10 AM
about 1 month ago
0
interested
Vilonia Senior Citizens
2
went
0
Invited
Show Map
10 Bise Dr, Vilonia, Arkansas 72173
SUGGESTED EVENTS
About
Discussion
SEE
MORE
2016 Jewish Food and Cultura...
Sun Apr 10 at War Memorial Sta...
Exhibit 4
Kimberiy Buchberger
February 29 near Cabot •
It was an honor this morning to meet our governor
Asa Hutchison, and hang out with my good friend
Eddie Joe.
^ Share
034
1 share
3 comments
Was Lawrence Nice
February 29 at 8;20am
Tammy Griswold glad to see you didnt dress up
for the occasion goober hahahahha
February 29 at 5:03pm
Kimberiy Buchberger Girl I had just got off the
bus. Plus 1 did think about Ittll^^^
1 • March 1 at 3:54pm • Edited
Exhibit 5
m
Eddie Joe Williams
February 29 • ^
Thank you Mayor Firestone and the city of Vilonia.
Great turn out this morning in Vilonia. Polls open in
the morning at 730a and close at 730p. I'm asking
t'VJVt
*
for your vote to continue serving you as you State
Senator Dist. 29. ##goeddiejoe — with Vilonia Car
Club. Vilonia Chamber, April Smith Burroughs,
Bethany Williams Hartz and Oscar Jones.
^ Share
©045
1 share
910 WEST SECOND STREET, SUITE 100
LITTLE ROCK, AR 72201
Phone (501) 324-9600 Toll Free (800) 422-7773
CITIZEN COMPLAINT FORM
The undersigned person files this complaint and requests that the Arkansas Ethics Commission
conduct an investigation concerning the facts and actions detailed below for the purpose of determining
whether or not there has been a violation of laws under the Commission's jurisdiction.
1. Identify the person you are complaining about:
Name: Asa Hutchinson
Position or Title: Governor of Arkansas
Address: 1800 Center St.
Phone: (Home)
Little Rock. AR 72201
(Work) (501)682-2345
2. State in your own words the detailed facts and the actions of the person named in section 1 which
prompted you to make this complaint. The brief space provided below is not intended to limit your
statement of facts. Please use the back of this form or additional sheets if necessary. Include relevant
dates, times, and the names, and addresses of other persons whom you believe have knowledge of the
facts.
See Attached
3. Attach or make reference to any documents, materials, minutes, resolutions or other evidence which
support your allegations.
I swear or affirm, under penalty of perjury, that
the facts set forth in this complaint are true and
correct to the best of my knowledge, information,
State of Arkansas
County of
and belief.
Subscribed and swom before me this
day
of
,
20
Signature:
Print your name: Matthew D. Campbell
Notary Signature:
Mailing address: P.O. Box 7469
My Commission Expires:.
Phone:(Home)_
Approved by the Arkansas Ethics Commission
C\Nork) (501)396-9246
Revised 06/01
Summary: Governor Asa Hutchinson appeared at two campaign events in support of State Sen.
Eddie Joe Williams on Monday, February 29, 2016, beginning at 7:30 a.m. and continuing until
roughly 11:00 a.m. In so doing doing, and by devoting time during normal business hours to Sen.
Williams' campaign. Gov. Hutchinson violated Ark. Code Ann. § 7-1-103.
Facts & Law: On February 28, 2016, Sen. Eddie Joe Williams posted an announcement on his
campaign Facebook page in reference to two "Meet & Greet with Asa Hutchinson" events to take
place on Monday, February 29, 2016. The first event was to begin at 7:30 a.m. at Grinds Coffee
Co. in Cabot, with the second event to follow at 9:00 a.m. at Vilonia Senior Citizen Center in
Vilonia. See Exhibit 1.
Pictures posted on Sen. Williams' Facebook page, as well as pictures posted on other Facebook
pages, confirmed that Gov. Hutchinson was at both events. Exhibit 2 (Cabot event) and Exhibit
3 (Vilonia event). A video of Gov. Hutchinson speaking in support of Sen. Williams at the Cabot
event is also available at:
https://www.facebook.eom/eddie.williams.5/videos/10156513170695542/
Under Arkansas law:
It shall be unlawful for any public servant, as defined in § 21-8-402, to devote any time or
labor during usual office hours toward the campaign of any other candidate for office or for
the nomination to any office.
Ark. Code Ann. § 7-1-103(a)(2)(A)(i). "Public servant" as it is defined in 21-8-402, includes "all
public officials, public employees, and public appointees." Ark. Code Ann. § 21-8-402(18).
"Public official" means "a legislator or any other person holding an elective office of any
governmental body." Ark. Code Ann. § 21-8-402(17). Thus, the prohibition in Ark. Code Ann. 7l-103(a)(2)(A)(i) applies to Gov. Hutchinson as a public official.
2016-03-31 Hutchinson Ethics Complaint
Page 1 of 2
The "usual office hours" of the Arkansas Governor's office are 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday. February 29,2016, was not a state of federal holiday. The Governor's usual office
hours that day were therefore 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. By "devot[ing] time or labor during usual
office hours" on February 29, 2016, Asa Hutchinson has violated Ark. Code Ann. § 7-1103(a)(2)(A)(i).
Furthermore, because Sen. Williams was seeking election to the office of Arkansas State Senator,
he is a state candidate, rather than a federal candidate. The Ethics Commission's decisions in Case
Nos. 2016-CO-008 and 2016-CO-009 specify that Ark. Code Ann. § 7-l-103(a)(2)(A)(i) applies to
instances where a public servant devotes time to the campaign of a state-level candidate.
Accordingly, because this complaint is proper under Ark. Code Ann. § 7-6-218(a), is signed, and
states facts constituting an alleged violation within the jurisdiction of the Arkansas Ethics
Commission, I request that this violation be investigate pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 7-6218(b)(1)(A).
2016-03-31 Hutchinson Ethics Complaint
Page 2 of 2
M
r
Exhibit 1
Go Eddie Joe Williams added an event.
February 28 •
' Eddie Joe
Williams
F E B M e e t a n d G r e e t w i t h G o v. A s a H u t c h i n .
' Vilonia Senior Citizens • Vilonia
^ 2^people
going
Like
Comment
•k Interested
Share
0 5
Q
Wr i t e a c o m m e n t . . .
Go Eddie Joe Williams added an event.
February 28 •
FEB Meet and Greet with Gov Asa Hutchins.
Q
' Grinds
Coffee
Co. •going
Cabot
^ ^ 6Qpeople
interested
• 13 people
Like
P
Comment
Share
k Interested
©
Exhibit 2
^ state Senate District 29
and Greet wim Gov Asa Hutchinson
it
iA Public • Meetup • Hosted by Go Eddie Joe Williams
Interested
+ Going
G U E S T S
Q Monday
, February 29 at 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
about 1 month ago
G r i n d s C o ff e e C o .
1904 S Pine St, Cabot. Arkansas 72023
6
1 3
152
interested
went
invited
Show Map
R E L AT E D E V E N T S
A b o u t
Write Post
A d d P h o t o / Vi d e o
Write something...
Discussion
p r (SIJ, Saturday
ti Atchison
Back!
at Griisnds
Coffee Co.
Concert • 13 guests
Create Poll
Interested • Going
Jon Atchison Live ©Grinds!
Saturday at Grinds Coffee Co.
Concert
Interested • Going
Exhibit 3
-A- Interested
Public • Meetup • Hosted by Go Eddie Joe Williams
+ Going
GUESTS
Q Monday,
February 29 at 9 AM -10 AM
about 1 month ago
0
interested
Vilonia Senior Citizens
2
went
0
Invited
Show Map
10 Bise Dr, Vilonia, Arkansas 72173
SUGGESTED EVENTS
About
Discussion
SEE
MORE
2016 Jewish Food and Cultura...
Sun Apr 10 at War Memorial Sta...
Exhibit 4
Kimberiy Buchberger
February 29 near Cabot •
It was an honor this morning to meet our governor
Asa Hutchison, and hang out with my good friend
Eddie Joe.
^ Share
034
1 share
3 comments
Was Lawrence Nice
February 29 at 8;20am
Tammy Griswold glad to see you didnt dress up
for the occasion goober hahahahha
February 29 at 5:03pm
Kimberiy Buchberger Girl I had just got off the
bus. Plus 1 did think about Ittll^^^
1 • March 1 at 3:54pm • Edited
Exhibit 5
m
Eddie Joe Williams
February 29 • ^
Thank you Mayor Firestone and the city of Vilonia.
Great turn out this morning in Vilonia. Polls open in
the morning at 730a and close at 730p. I'm asking
t'VJVt
*
for your vote to continue serving you as you State
Senator Dist. 29. ##goeddiejoe — with Vilonia Car
Club. Vilonia Chamber, April Smith Burroughs,
Bethany Williams Hartz and Oscar Jones.
^ Share
©045
1 share
