Staff Writer
Webster’s dictionary defines jurisdiction as “1. legal authority. 2. the range of authority.”
Ethics legislation is pending in the Jacksonville City Council to return the City’s Ethics Code to the City Charter.
The City Ethics Commission’s Legislative Subcommittee met Wednesday to discuss whether or not to suggest to the full Commission that it request a better definition of its jurisdiction.
“I know if we put too detailed a resolution forward it will be difficult to pass,” said Braxton Gillam, chair of the subcommittee. “I want to put something forward that is reasonable and has a chance for success.”
The subcommittee decided to recommend to the full Commission that it request areas of jurisdiction be added to the ordinance, which include conflicts of interest, the ethics hotline, ethics education, City Procurement Policy and lobbying.
The subcommittee wanted to find a middle ground between the current generality of purpose included in the City’s Municipal Code and a defined set of responsibilities that might lead to the defeat of the ordinance in City Council.
Jacksonville’s Ethics Code states: “The Commission may, upon employee or citizen complaint, or upon its own initiative, seek information and gather facts for the purpose of investigating any circumstance or situation of which the Commission may become aware that appears to violate or may potentially violate an acceptable standard of conduct for City officers and employees.
“As a result of such investigation, the Commission may issue public censures, recommend disciplinary action, determine the need for remedial or preventative legislation, and make such recommendations to the Mayor and the Council as it deems appropriate.”
This generality caused some Council members to question the jurisdiction of the commission. Former General Counsel Rick Mullaney also raised concerns to the Charter Revision Commission in November.
The Ethics Commission “has morphed into a body that sometimes, on occasion, has a vague idea of what they are supposed to be doing,” said Mullaney at the November meeting. “They are getting beyond the rule of law and compliance with ethics laws into giving opinions on what is good government.”
The Legislative Subcommittee will present its recommendation to the full Ethics Commission at its next meeting 5 p.m. Aug. 26 at City Hall.
356-2466