Ethics commission could see major reorganization
State ethics commission leaders are proposing a sweeping overhaul of the agency that would farm out some duties to a private attorney, hire a new auditor and lean more on the state attorney general for investigative help.
Commission Chairman Patrick Millsaps and Vice Chairman Josh Belinfante told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Friday that the changes -- which they'll present at an Aug. 5 commission meeting -- would help the agency operate more efficiently under a tighter budget.
The commission has faced criticism over the past year from lawmakers and government watchdogs who have complained that the agency has been shoddy in its interpretation of state ethics law and lax in its enforcement. But following a shake-up last month that saw the top two employees leave under pressure, commissioners are looking for a change.
Among the changes they'll recommend:
Contracting with a private attorney to write advisory opinions and answer questions from elected officials, candidates and the public about what the law allows.
Hiring a receptionist and an additional auditor to help oversee the filing of required reports and with the initial review of ethics complaints.
Using the state attorney general's office for more assistance in investigating complaints.
The changes are necessary, Belinfante said, in an era of government austerity.
"We have to fix our budget," he said. The question is "how can we do that and still meet our statutory obligations."
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