A three-judge panel on Tuesday leveled a $2000 fine against Chisago County Board Chair Bob Gustafson for violation of state campaign laws in the 2004 county board election. Curt Flug, the man Gustafson defeated in the November election, filed four complaints with the Office of Administrative Hearings, alleging that Gustafson violated state law by preparing and disseminating false campaign materials. In a nine-page ruling issued on Tuesday the panel of Judges Kathleen D. Sheehy, George A. Beck and Allan W. Klein agreed with Flug and ordered Gustafson to pay a $2000 civil penalty by April 8, 2005. In its order, the panel wrote that Flug has shown by "clear and convincing evidence" that Gustafson violated Minn Stat. 211B.06, subd. 1 by preparing and disseminating campaign material that contained false statements that Gustafson knew were false or communicated to others with "reckless disregard of whether they were false."

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