Ethics Watch testified today to the Independent Ethics Commission ("IEC") regarding the IEC's proposed rules.  In their testimony, Ethics Watch Director Chantell Taylor and Senior Counsel Luis Toro urged the IEC to remove or amend proposed rules that contradict the consitutional mandate that created the IEC.  In addition, Ethics Watch released the following statement:

"By creating an ethics commission with the authority to issue subpoenas, and the duty to investigate, adjudicate and issue findings regarding allegations of unethical conduct by public officials, Colorado voters sent a resounding message that they expect the IEC to vigorously enforce ethics standards.  And yet, many of the IEC's proposed rules would allow the commission to evade this charge.  As currently drafted, the rules allow the commission to both operate in secret and to dismiss complaints that fall squarely within the scope of their constitutional mandate.  Ethics Watch therefore urges the IEC to revise its rules in a way that honors voter intent."

In addition to Ms. Taylor and Mr. Toro's testimony, Ethics Watch submitted written comments on the proposed rules to the commission last week.  Ethics Watch is the only organization in this state that has so closely scrutinized the actions of the IEC from the date of its establishment 18 months ago.  In that time, Ethics Watch lawyers have provided informal comments and counsel to the commissioners with the hope that the IEC will become the premier venue for vetting ethical allegations.  In addition, Ethics Watch launched a page on its website - Eye on the IEC - devoted to providing the public with complete information about IEC activities.