Colorado Ethics Watch (“Ethics Watch”) Director Chantell Taylor released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court opinion issued today overturning the lower court’s injunction on the ban on gifts to government officials and employees established by Amendment 41. Approved by Colorado voters in November 2006, Amendment 41 also created the Independent Ethics Commission to enforce the gift ban and other standards of conduct.

“The Supreme Court’s opinion highlights the vital role of the Commission in interpreting and enforcing the voter-approved gift ban. Particularly now, with the gift ban back in effect, it is incumbent upon the Commission to begin performing its constitutional role by adopting rules, hearing complaints and issuing opinions. Until the Commission acts, the enforcement of Amendment 41 and other ethics standards is paralyzed.

Ethics Watch applauds the Commission for increasing the frequency of its meetings and conducting what appears to be a diligent search for its fifth commissioner. These steps, however, do not address our public officials’ unethical activities, only action will. Ethics Watch today renews its call for the Commission to open for business immediately.”

Ethics Watch recently filed the first complaint with the Commission asking it to issue a public censure and other appropriate measures against Secretary of State Mike Coffman for violations of existing ethical standards. These issues, as well as the many that will be raised by the gift ban, will continue to be ignored until the Commission is fully operational.