Summary
A 41-year-old defense contractor employee sought to retain his eligibility for a public trust position, which was challenged under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The Statement of Reasons alleged several delinquent accounts, including three medical accounts from 2008 and 2009 with balances of $251, $360, and $179. It also cited a bank credit card with a high credit of $7,367 and an unpaid balance of $3,256, as well as federal and state student loans that had been placed for collection. The state student loans had been routinely paid by automatic withdrawal until March 2012.
The applicant admitted to these delinquent accounts but demonstrated a proactive approach to resolution. He entered into repayment agreements and made consistent payments, bringing his financial problems largely under control. The judge noted that, aside from a few unresolved medical accounts, there were no other outstanding debts.
Ultimately, the judge found that the applicant's actions did not cast doubt on his current reliability, trustworthiness, or good judgment. Consequently, the applicant's eligibility for the public trust position was GRANTED.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated a proactive approach to resolving his financial issues by entering into repayment agreements and making consistent payments.
- The applicant's financial problems were largely under control, with no other outstanding debts aside from a few unresolved medical accounts.
- The applicant's actions did not cast doubt on his current reliability, trustworthiness, or good judgment.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedBehavior Happened so Long Ago, Was Infrequent, or Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedReceived Counseling or Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors
Key Rule Quoted
“The standard that must be met for . . . assignment to sensitive duties is that, based on all available information, the person’s loyalty, reliability, and trustworthiness are such that . . . assigning the person to sensitive duties is clearly consistent with the interests of national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 30, 2015
- Answer filedJan 14, 2016Applicant requested a hearing.
- Hearing heldMay 18, 2016
- Decision dateSep 16, 2016
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Considerations Under Guideline F
- Proactive Measures in Addressing Financial Delinquencies
- Whole-person Concept in Evaluating Trustworthiness