Phoenix city leaders want ethics reform as Superbowl nears
Phoenix residents were promised ethics reform in the city of Phoenix nearly three years ago. Now, just weeks before the biggest sporting event in the world is played in the Valley, some city leaders are asking what happened.
Right now, Phoenix’s guidelines regarding elected officials accepting gifts lack detail. An ethics task force tried to change that, but it’s still in limbo.
“Very disappointing, we put in a lot of hard work,” Phoenix ethics task force member Ernest Calderon said.
They presented recommendations to city council in 2013. Some ideas included disclosure of gifts greater than $50 and a searchable online database for the public.
“As a citizen, how do I know my city council person hasn’t accepted a gift from someone who has a matter pending before the city council?” Calderon asked.
A watered-down version of the ordinance was presented before council last year and was struck down. Now, we’re told it’s in the hands of a city subcommittee.
“The task force essentially has disbanded, we haven’t had a ‘thank you’ for our service but we haven’t had any meetings,” Calderon said.
“I believe there should be a complete ban on gifts to politicians, period,” Phoenix councilman Sal DiCiccio said.
Read more: http://www.kpho.com/story/27876679/city-leaders-worried#ixzz3P8rPSK6I