Edwards v. Department of Health & Rehabilitative Services

POLEN, Judge.

James Edwards, an employee of the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, appeals a final order of the Public Employees Relations Commission [hereinafter Commission], The Commission adopted the recommended order of a Commission-appointed hearing officer and affirmed Edwards’ disciplinary demotion from public assistance specialist supervisor to public assistance specialist II based upon Edwards’ unauthorized use of state personnel. We affirm.

The Commission was without authority to reduce or increase the penalty recommended by the hearing officer, because Edwards failed…