Ethics task force seeks clear rules

A citizens panel has recommended that ethics laws covering elected and appointed Clark County officials be clarified in areas such as confidential information, conduct and personal investments.

The Clark County Ethics Task Force, in a report released Wednesday, also recommended increased funding and other resources to make the Nevada Ethics Commission more efficient.

But the task force, chaired by former state assemblyman Larry Spitler of Las Vegas, also conceded that it couldn't resolve issues such as the definition of "friendship or acquaintance" as it relates to potential conflicts of interest. Spitler also said other ethics laws may have to be strengthened if the public decides that it wants Clark County commissioners to serve full time rather than part time.

The task force was established by County Manager Dale Askew in February at a time when four of the seven Clark County commissioners were facing ethics hearings.

The state Ethics Commission on Saturday found that County Commission Chairwoman Yvonne Atkinson Gates and fellow Commissioner Lance Malone broke state ethics laws last summer by voting on lucrative McCarran International Airport concessions that benefitted friends or associates. Neither commissioner received sanctions because they had relied on advice from the district attorney's office.

One task force recommendation would require that former county elected and appointed officials wait at least a year after they have left their position before representing anyone who comes before that county agency. A one-year "cooling off" period is already in place for former elected and appointed state officials.

Another suggestion would prohibit county officials from using their positions to secure "unwarranted" privileges for themselves or others. Officials also would be barred from giving anyone the impression that they can be improperly influenced.

The task force also recommended that county officials shouldn't be allowed to receive gifts or favors for themselves or others "if a reasonable person could see it as influencing him or another person in the discharge of official duties."

The task force didn't recommend establishment of a separate county ethics commission but urged the Nevada Legislature to beef up the state commission. In addition to increased funding, staffing and training, the task force recommended that the six-member state Ethics Commission be expanded to 10 to 15 members as a way of helping to expedite decisions on ethics complaints. Annual ethics training for county officials also was suggested.

The task force recommendations will be forwarded to Askew and then to state ethics commissioners for their comment. Spitler said he hopes the County Commission will adopt the recommendations after a public hearing, likely to be held by September.

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