Opinion ID: 1190441
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: arbitrary and capricious conduct

Text: Anderson contends that the Commission acted in an arbitrary and capricious manner by amending the administrative law judge's recommended order. He argues that because the Commission members were not present at the hearing and thus could not observe Anderson's demeanor, they did not have a sufficient basis for amending the administrative law judge's recommendations. We disagree. The Commission, after reviewing the record and considering Anderson's history of violations, concluded that the full $500 fine was warranted and that if it was not paid within 60 days, his certificate would be revoked. The Commission's penalty was well within the range of penalties allowed under section 54-6a-4(1). In fact, a $500 penalty is at the low end of the permissible scale. Considering Anderson's long history of violations, it was reasonable for the Commission to impose a stiffer penalty than the administrative law judge recommended. Thus, we hold that the Commission's action was neither arbitrary nor capricious.