McDonough Ethics Committee

Response to McDonough's Ethics Committee

A citizen committee must be empowered to indict elected officials as well as city employees under GMA guidelines as well as the state of Georgia Code of Ethics. A committee setup for public relations purposes can have no impact. A citizens committee whose members may be ejected by elected officials who may become involved in ethical misconduct is without needed autonomy. A citizens committee lacking legal and judicial support to investigate and indict is powerless.

Now, let's talk about ethics reform regarding conflicts of interest and personal business interests becoming commingled with official acts. we rarely see a council member recuse themselves in any matter.

The recent resolution to prohibit recording of public meetings is a clear example of official misconduct. Officially violating our state's laws was recommended by the City Attorney and approved by four members of the City Council: OCGA § 45-10-1, II, requires officials to “Uphold the Constitution, laws, and legal regulations of the United States and the State of Georgia and of all governments therein and never be a party to their evasion.”

Exactly what authority does, or would, an Ethics Committee have to invoke OCGA § 45-10-4: “Code of ethics for members of boards, commissions, and authorities -- Hearing on violation charge; notice of hearing; removal of member from office; filling vacancies; judicial review.”

What is the value of an Ethics Committee if ethical misconduct is not fully prosecuted?