Several modifications in Lexington’s governmental ethics law are under review at city hall. A subcommittee reviewed the current ordinance over the last year and a half. Lexington Council Member Angela Evans says one change calls for including private interest along with financial interest information. “It’s just creating that extra level of transparency that, you know, I do care enough about this organization that I serve on that board and just allowing the public to see that relationship.”
Evans says one of the biggest changes is establishing new standards for appointments to local boards and commissions. The local ethics commission requested subpoena power, but Evans says that authority must come from state lawmakers.
The panel studying the ethics law also considered a registration requirement for lobbyists much like that at the state level. In the end, no such change was suggested. Vice Mayor Steve Kay believes no lobbyist modification is needed. “In the time I’ve been on council, I can count on the fingers of one hand, the times that I’ve been contacted by someone who I knew was employed as a lobbyist for an interest group,” noted Kay.
The issue is expected to be back before council members this fall. That will give members of the ethics commission time to review the suggested changes.?
