Council OKs ethics rules in wake of scandal

The Spokane City Council on Tuesday night approved a new ethics policy for top city leaders as well as a strong enforcement mechanism to back it up.

The ordinance, approved unanimously with one councilman absent, is being seen as an important reform following the seven months of scandal that led to the recall of former Mayor Jim West last year.

Seattle, King County and other Washington cities have similar ordinances.

Spokane’s ethics law will govern the conduct of the mayor, City Council, appointed members of boards and commissions and about three dozen top city employees who are not covered by collective bargaining union contracts.

Tuesday’s vote came after several weeks of discussions, both in public and in private, over terms of the ordinance.

A breakthrough came last Thursday when council members met with a group of citizen activists, including representatives of the Center for Justice in Spokane and the Neighborhood Alliance of Spokane. In a three-hour study session, council members went through a draft paragraph by paragraph and agreed to some modifications without changing the substance of the ordinance.

“It’s a good document. It’s not a perfect document,” said Council President Joe Shogan, who led last week’s study session.

Councilwoman Mary Verner said the city’s union employees could be brought under the ordinance if their labor organizations agree to participate through changes in their collective bargaining contracts.

Councilwoman Nancy McLaughlin said the debate over the ordinance could have gotten messy regarding any number of issues, but key players were willing to listen to one another. McLaughlin noted that an ethics committee will not require additional city funds.

Councilman Brad Stark, who did not attend Tuesday’s council meeting, said in an e-mail Tuesday night that he would have voted no on the ordinance if he had not been absent because of illness.

“The creation of an Ethics Commission wastes valuable city resources, makes no guarantees of an ethical government or elected representation, and promotes a false sense of accomplishment to the public,” Stark said in a prepared statement.

Councilman Al French, who was appointed as council president pro tem on Tuesday, sponsored the ethics ordinance. He said that in addition to the ordinance, he wants to seek voter approval of a charter amendment that would give the council authority to place a recall measure directly on the ballot, thereby circumventing a state law requiring a large signature drive to put a recall before voters.

Under the new ethics ordinance, prohibited conduct would include:

“Having a personal interest in a contract involving the city.

“Seeking to influence a contract selection while having a personal involvement in a company or person seeking the contract.

“Representing a private person at a city proceeding.

“Holding a private job that is incompatible with public service.

“Benefiting directly or indirectly from any legislation or contract unless the relationship is disclosed.

“Disclosing confidential information.

“Using a city position for personal benefit.

“Improper use of city property or personnel.

“Accepting or giving favors, gifts or gratuities unless the item is of nominal value.

Until now, City Council members, appointed officials and top employees have been governed by state law, city personnel policies and the council’s own rules of conduct.