ADR Program in Place, First Case Resolved & Certified

For Immediate Release:                                                                                             Contact:   Ron Harris
December 21, 2000                                                                                                                        Sharon Snyder
                                                                                                                                                        Ian Stirton
                                                                                                                                                        Kelly Huff


 

ADR PROGRAM IN PLACE, FIRST CASE RESOLVED & CERTIFIED

 

WASHINGTON -- The Federal Election Commission has certified the first case resolved in
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), a pilot program initiated in early October to offer
respondents another option for settling complaints that come before the Commission. The
program’s goal is to expedite resolution of some enforcement matters, reduce the cost
of processing complaints, and enhance overall FEC enforcement. 

For a case to be considered for ADR treatment, a respondent must express willingness to
engage in the ADR process, agree to set aside the statute of limitations while the case is
pending in the ADR Office, and agree to participate in bilateral negotiations and, if
necessary, mediation. 

Bilateral negotiations through ADR are oriented toward reaching an expedient resolution
in a manner that is both satisfying to the respondent(s) and in compliance with the
Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA). Resolutions reached in negotiations are submitted to
the Commissioners for final approval. If a resolution is not reached in bilateral
negotiation, the case proceeds to mediation. It should be noted that cases resolved
through ADR are not precedential.

Closed ADR negotiated settlements’ summaries are available in the FEC’s
Public Records Office. This initial case (below) was received in the ADR Office on October
13 and a negotiated agreement reached on November 7.

ADR 004

RESPONDENT: FJC Corporation

REFERRED BY: Small Business Administration (SBA)

SUBJECT: Corporate Contribution

NEGOTIATED SETTLEMENT: $850 civil penalty

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