Mary Helen Berlanga says move is politically motivated
By Jaime Powell
CORPUS CHRISTI A Conroe man has filed an ethics complaint against State Board of Education (SBOE) member Mary Helen Berlanga alleging campaign finance reporting violations.
James Doyle III 66 filed the complaint April 6 alleging various infractions by Berlanga including reimbursing herself for political expenditures made from personal funds and failing to properly disclose political contributions and expenditures.
The Texas Ethics Commission notified Doyle and Berlanga who has been on the state board since 1982 that there is an investigation. It does not specify which campaign finance reporting period is in question.
Berlanga a Corpus Christi lawyer whose campaign coffers according to campaign finance documents never topped $6000 last year said the complaint is politically motivated.
It was Berlangas opposition to proposed changes in science curricula that first drew Doyles attention.
When they do things that I consider to be really bad I think we should check them out" he said.
Its textbook selection. I think we need to put creationism in the schools and different things like that. It ought to be taught in the same vein as evolution. They should give a chance to every issue. Instead they want to push a certain agenda."
Doyle said once he started looking at Berlangas campaign finance reports the bigger issue was making sure she followed campaign finance rules.
Its unclear when the Texas Ethics Commission will rule on the Berlanga complaint though the matter could come up as soon as the eight-member boards Aug.6 meeting.
The maximum penalty for infractions ranges from zero to $5000 or three times the amount at issue whichever is greater said Tim Sorrells deputy general counsel with the ethics commission.
Doyle listed on the Montgomery County Republican Party Web site as a precinct chairman has filed numerous campaign finance related ethics complaints against elected officials including Democrat state representatives and senators Conroe ISD board members and Galveston Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas among others.
Thomas was assessed a $500 fine for infractions enumerated in a complaint by Doyle in February according to the ethics commission Web site.
For whatever reason you want to check somebody out thats immaterial" he said.
