Arizona Commission's First Ethics Workshop Explodes Into Argument

code of ethics (see 1707310032). Ethics Committee Chairman Boyd Dunn asked Burns to wrap up as the commissioner was discussing an ethical concern around using money saved from vacancies for committee budgets rather than sending it back to the state general fund. Burns replied, “It seems that when I attempt to take a position and explain a position, either legal informs me that I might be infringing upon open meeting law … or that now you are cutting me short, and I’m a little bit fed up.” When Dunn said he wanted to stay on agenda, Burns replied, “Well, the issue of ethics is the agenda, and if we’re going to have ethical operations, maybe we ought to talk about some of the things that have happened here in the not-too-distant past that could possibly be a problem.” Burns flagged a law stopping elected officials from using their influence or position to cause firing, promotion or demotion of any public employee. “There is some cloud around the resignations of [Utilities Director] Tom Broderick and [Executive Director] Jodi Jerich,” Burns said. Burns “went way too far in attacking our legal counsel,” who isn’t an elected official, Commissioner Andy Tobin said. Burns retorted, “Well, he has an ethical standard of his own that he needs to live up to.” As Dunn intervened, the webcast abruptly ended; ACC didn’t comment. Earlier, Tobin said he was surprised to learn that an attorney employed by a company could speak to commissioners without registering as a lobbyist: That may be a “public disclosure loophole.” Dunn agreed it should be discussed but warned about a possible “chilling effect.” Dunn suggested defining what in-house ex-parte communications are appropriate because he said talks with staff can be helpful. The next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 15. Dunn said he didn’t want to rush the process developing a code that “will stand the test of time” and possibly be a model for other state commissions that largely lack ethics codes.