THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, July 28, 2023 Page 5 Malden group starts online petition calling for resignation of Councillor-at-Large Colón Hayes First-term elected offi cial admitted state ethics law violations and paid civil penalty in confl ict-of-interest case By Th e Advocate A Malden group has begun an online petition calling for the resignation of fi rst-term Malden Councillor-at-Large Karen Colón Hayes following the disposition of a State Ethics Commission case where she signed an agreement admitting to violations of the state confl ict of interest law. In signing the agreement (see separate story on Page 1), Councillor Colón Hayes agreed to pay a $7,500 civil penalty for the ethics law violations, as well as waiving all rights to contest the fi ndings of fact, conclusions of law and terms and conditions contained in the agreement. The petition was begun on July 23 on www.change.org, a free public platform that hosts community-based petition drives. The petition calling for the resignation of Councillor Colón Hayes was initiated by group identifi ed as “Malden Citizens.” On the www.change.org website, the narrative following the title, “Why this petition matters” ing fi ndings of fact and conclusions of law: “Hiring Daughter A and Approving Pay Increase “Rehiring Daughter A “Hiring Daughter A’s Boyfriend “Hiring Daughter B “Full Disposition: State Ethics Commission: https://www. mass.gov/settlement/disposiA group identifi ed as “Malden Citizens” has initiated an online petition on www.change.org calling for the resignation of fi rstterm Malden Councillor-at-Large Karen Colón Hayes. reads: “We, the concerned citizens of Malden, call for the immediate resignation of City of Malden Councillor Karen Colon Hayes. City Councillor Karen Colon Hayes has been found guilty of multiple violations of the Confl ict-of-Interest Law even after submitting to multiple State Ethics trainings. “Public service is a public trust, requiring you to place loyalty to the Constitution, the laws, and ethical principles above private gain. As citizens we put our trust in you as an elected offi cial to uphold laws and you have failed us. “On April 18, 2023, the Massachusetts State Ethics Commission concluded its inquiry and found reasonable cause to believe Karen Colon Hayes violated G.L. c. 268A, §§ 19 and 23. “Current City of Malden Councillor Karen Colon Hayes pays $7,500 Civil Penalty for Violating Confl ict of Interest Law. “The Commission and Colon Hayes now agree to the followtion-agreement-in-the-matterof-karen-colon-hayes “Press Release, State Ethics Commission: https://www. mass.gov/news/former-malden-human-services-and-outreach-director-karen-colonhayes-pays-7500-civil-penaltyfor-violating-conflict-of-interest-law” JOHN MACKEY & ASSOCIATES ~ Attorneys at Law ~ * PERSONAL INJURY * REAL ESTATE * FAMILY LAW * PERSONAL BANKRUPTCY * LANDLORD/TENANT DISPUTES 14 Norwood Street Everett, MA 02149 Phone: (617) 387-4900 Fax: (617) 381-1755 WWW.JMACKEYLAW.COM
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