[Trouble]

The "judge" is a retired judge that acts at the hearing officer. His recommendation goes to the commissioner. Once he has that recommendation, he has 30 days from the day of the letter being sent to all parties to make a final ruling. The ruling is final when the commissioner rules, however is subject to review by the board of control. They only meet bimonthly, and the next one isn't until January. So, technically, the organization could drag this out for as long as they can under the letter of their constitution. It depends on the political pressure because as we all know, that is what rules the roost with the group in Lexington.

The hearing officer is far from independent as it may seem to some. He is employed by the organization.