The Santa Fe Ethics and Campaign Review Board convened on September 12, 2025, to address a significant complaint regarding a fundraising flyer allegedly missing required treasurer information. The board's primary task was to determine if the complaint met the legal standards necessary to proceed, including whether it was filed within the appropriate timeframe and if it contained sufficient factual allegations.

Commissioner Green, the subject of the complaint, was present but had not submitted a formal response prior to the meeting. His attorney, Peter Dwyer, argued that the complaint was fundamentally flawed, citing incorrect legal citations and a lack of clarity regarding the allegations. Dwyer emphasized that the complaint did not meet the necessary legal standards, particularly pointing out that it lacked a sworn statement from the complainant, which is required for such allegations.

Dwyer stated, “I do not believe that this complaint meets the prima facie requirements for a legitimate complaint under the city code,” highlighting the absence of a clear identification of witnesses and the vague nature of the allegations. He requested the board dismiss the complaint based on these deficiencies.

Board members expressed concern over the complainant's absence from the meeting, noting that their presence would have been beneficial in clarifying the allegations. The discussion also touched on the need for the complaint form to be accurate and legally sound, with suggestions for improvements to ensure future complaints meet the required standards.

As the meeting progressed, the board weighed the technicalities of the complaint against the substantive issues raised. The outcome of this meeting could set a precedent for how future complaints are handled, emphasizing the importance of clarity and adherence to legal standards in the complaint process. The board is expected to deliberate further on the matter before reaching a final decision.