Legal Filings

Legal Filings

Ethics Watch Prevails On Two Complaints Filed With the Colorado Independent Ethics Commission

Today, the Colorado Independent Ethics Commission (IEC) issued rulings on two complaints filed by Colorado Ethics Watch, and in both cases found violations of ethics laws. In the first case, the IEC agreed with Ethics Watch that former Jefferson County Commissioner Kevin McCasky violated the state Ethics Code when he voted on an annual appropriation to a nonprofit group while his application to become that group’s executive director was pending. In the second case, the IEC approved a stipulation requiring the Public Trustees Association of Colorado (PTAC) to pay maximum fines for an Amendment 41 gift ban violation and take corrective measures after the PTAC used private money to pay for rooms at a Black Hawk hotel for thirty two county public trustees. The $2,944 in fines imposed on the PTAC represents the largest fine imposed by the IEC to date.

“We’re pleased to have been able to bring these matters to the IEC’s attention,” said Ethics Watch Director Luis Toro. “Under Colorado’s system, the IEC can’t act on a violation unless someone files a complaint. If Ethics Watch had not taken action, it is likely that these incidents would have been swept under the rug. As a result of the IEC’s actions today, county officials throughout Colorado know that they are being watched and must adhere to the same high standards we expect of statewide elected officials.”

Ethics Watch filed its complaint against Commissioner McCasky in February 2011. Ethics Watch filed its complaint against the Public Trustee Association of Colorado in November 2011. Both complaints were decided at the IEC’s March 19, 2012 meeting.