The Arkansas Ethics Commission will conduct a 2-hour training session in Fayetteville on March 12 for political candidates and other persons subject to the state’s laws on campaign finance and disclosure. They should have plenty of customers among our politicians who are generally unfamiliar with ethics laws and such, but they find much comfort in claiming ignorance as a convenient excuse.
Benton County Judge David Bisbee could learn that it is unethical to reject a low bid and throw the money to your own construction company to remodel offices in the courthouse. Representative Mark Martin could learn how to stop lying about being a good steward of the taxpayers' money while pocketing more than $56,000 in expense accounts, the highest among Northwest Arkansas legislators. Congressman John Boozman could learn to stop claiming credit for federal grants that he voted against.
Fayetteville Alderman Matthew Petty could learn not to steal someone's tricycle and wreck it. Alderman Robert Rhoads could learn to file his financial ethics forms on time and before reporters start asking questions. Alderman Brenda Thiel could learn to recuse from voting on her boyfriend's $90,000 salary. A&P Commissioner Bob Davis could learn that it is unethical to get a no-bid contract to sell insurance to the A&P Commission. A&P Director Marilyn Heifner could learn not to hire family members without advertising the position.
Perry Webb and the Springdale Cowbirds could learn to pay their taxes and stop using public funds for exotic junkets and expensive personal items. UA coaches could learn not to take money (aka kickbacks) for endorsing various brands of equipment and requiring the student athletes to wear the logos.
None of these people will show up for the training.
Geesh, Jonah. You're a-fixing to bankrupt half of NWA with those stipulations. I mean, how's the Chickenopolis Cowbirds gonna get along not hiring the kin for $12K to do a 10 ft flower and shrub garden?
ReplyDeleteTo register for the Ethics training call the Ethics Commission at 501-324-9600 or 800-422-7773.
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NICE Jonah.
ReplyDeleteBut everything you have enumerated adds up to what we in (TooBig) to Failitville refer to as "Quality of Life."
Heifner hired a family member without advertising the position? Can you link to the details?
ReplyDeleteThiel is now engaged. As to be married. Surely, that should change things...
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of bankrupting HALF of NWA it happened Saturday, Feb 20,
ReplyDeleteJohn David Lindsey Files Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Between $100M and $500M in debts. That's M as in Millions.
That's junior Lindsey. click on name.
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Thanks for the update Elw.
ReplyDeleteThe DemGaz story is a disaster & for once, the Slimes is clearer: this was a SKELETON / as in check the box filing. No names named, no numbers enumerated precisely. Will they do the follow-up when the real filing happens? If not, I will dig it up meself.
$100 - $500m debt leaves lot a room for bank follow-on effects.
Also in today's paper: BBarber's bk was a mere $63m in debt.
But remember: this was nobody's fault. Just an unforeseen unprecedented *downturn.*--with a *recovery* just ahead (think Twilight Zone).
It's just the real estate business in 2009,10 economic downturn. It's not these peoples' fault.
ReplyDeleteYes, Anon 12;25, if 90K Ray actually marries Alderman Thiel, it will change things. Instead of voting on her boyfriend's salary she will vote on her husband's salary. That adds nepotism to conflict of interest.
ReplyDeleteThiel, Petty and Rhoads should all be kicked off the council. Boozman, Martin and Bissbeee should just be kicked. Repeatedly.
ReplyDeleteThanks for saying that. It is too sad for me to say, but it is true. What were the voters thinking?
ReplyDeleteYou were right. None of them showed for the training session.
ReplyDelete