Yesterday, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie vetoed Assembly Bill 4237, which would have merged the dates of this year’s general and special elections.

Because New Jersey’s statewide elections in November are scheduled only 20 days after the October special election, critics have argued the expense of the two elections is too costly for the state and will diminish voter turnout for both elections. The vetoed bill changed the date of the 2013 general election from November 5 to October 16 and directed the secretary of state to provide appropriate notice to state, county, local officials, and the general public as to the change of date.

Another bill vetoed yesterday, Assembly Bill 4249, would have allowed early in-person voting at designated polling places during the special general election scheduled for October 16, 2013. Under the vetoed bill, votes would have been considered in-person early voting for both the vacant U.S. Senator seat and for all offices and public questions to be voted on at the general election on November 5, 2013.

I think we all have an idea of what the definition of good government might look like.

1. Bipartisan discussion over important current issues.
2. Keeping “what is best for the country and the electorate” as the most important issue.
3. Maintaining an acceptable conduct as elected public officials.
4. Being receptive to business and other public opinions without being manipulated by special interest groups.

Most of you understand this definition, although I am sure many of you are wondering where these things have gone and what has made them so difficult to maintain and achieve.

Well, I think it has a lot to do with the second part of the title and that includes the words, “In This Environment.”

Just what do these words mean and how have things changed to create the environment we now live in or at least have to live within?

And, of course, the most difficult question “Will good government improve and change the environment we live in or vice versa, Will a better environment give us the opportunity to create good government”

Do I have you sufficiently confused?

The fact is no two topics are more closely related when trying to evaluate this simple statement, “Is good government possible in this environment?”

The sad state of affairs is if you asked the majority of the voting population, the first answer would be “NO.” Of course, NO would be followed by a long litany of their own personal opinions and political advice, be it left or right, which would make everything better if we just follow blindly.

They would also say, not following these simple but absolutely uncompromising ideals is what has gotten us into this mess in the first place.

Judging which of these groups—be they left, right, up, down, or in the middle—is the most responsible for the dilemma of searching for good government, is worse than flipping channels on cable news networks at 5 after 8 p.m. each weekday evening.

Almost incredibly, the art of bad politics has created such an adversarial environment; it seems to be blocking out the sunlight and preventing what this country has done so well for more than 200 years…Govern well.

We seem to be so bogged down in the processes and partisanship, we have lost track of what are the important issues of the day. Good governing—which means in the end, getting things done in a manner as outlined by our Constitution.  This document has no provisions for obstructionism. If anything, it has far more implied provisions for compromise and reconciliation.

This is a bit overwhelming for me—a small business owner, in a regional city like Akron, Ohio—to address. You see, the main goal of my company, in a manner of speaking, is to assure good government has half a chance to exist. State and Federal Communications is responsible for assisting corporations and trade associations to realize what the laws say and stay compliant to the laws as they relate to their lobbying and political contributions activities.

This simple idea of  operating within the framework of the law is what we excel in conveying to our clients. We make no compromises, and we expect good ethical conduct from our clients. We suggest by doing this, our clients can create a GOOD environment, which in turn will allow for the opportunity for good government to thrive and, thereby, help our clients continue to be successful businesses.

This is just our small world of specific topics—lobbying and political contributions—but it also allows us to think of how these simple principles work on a much more grand scale—such as on the national level.

It seems the environment has become polluted and is no longer conducive to allowing good government to thrive. At every turn, we hear about corruption and degradation of “the environment” at almost every level.

Think for a minute. How often do you read or hear about an elected or appointed official, tasked with the responsibility of good governing or overseeing good government at the municipal, state, or even federal level, in some type of ethical or criminal trouble?

These constant stains on our national environment leave those attempting to provide good government with an almost impossible task. Add to this situation the lack of confidence by the electorate and the constant partisan bashing of government officials in the media, and you begin to see how difficult changing this environment has become.

So, who wins? Good government or the bad environment? And, is it possible for good government to inevitably thrive again?

My answer is, YES. But, we must be diligent and use the power we have been given to fix this situation. It may be one of the most disheartening bits of information out there, but the fact that sometimes only 25 to 50 percent of eligible voters take advantage of this privilege is amazing.

We have it within our power as individuals to push things back on the path of good governing and good government. And, we will. We need to encourage everyone to use their constitutional right and step up and be heard. We need to:

1. Demand politicians maintain a high ethical standard;
2. Demand policies and issues are dealt with in a compromising manner so progress can be made; and
3. Be assured, elected officials are more concerned with doing what is best for the people and the country and are not driven by special interest groups or mindless re-election campaigns.

And, most of all, encourage everyone to go out and VOTE. That single simple task, just a few times a year, is our best hope for assuring good government is still possible in this environment.

Thank you,

Elizabeth Z. Bartz
President and CEO

On November 16, 2013, a special primary election will be held for the Louisiana state House District 87 seat. State Rep. Girod Jackson III resigned in August due to allegations of federal tax fraud.

If no candidate receives a majority of the votes in the special primary election, a special runoff election will be held on December 14, 2013.

Lobbying

“‘Big bucks’ lobbying hurts American political system” by Jim Nowlan in the News-Gazette.

“Lobbying the Media Pivotal to Legislative Issues” by Dara Kam in Sunshine State News.

“The State of Lobbying in a Gridlocked Congress” on Bloomberg TV.

New York: “Bill de Blasio fails to go public about all meetings with lobbyists” by Mara Gay in the New York Daily News.

Campaign Finance

“Legislators in at least 23 states are trying to do something about dark money” by Niraj Chokshi in the Washington Post.

“Unions dramatically increase super PAC donations” by Michael Beckel on NBC News.

“Many overhyped super PACs are super in name only” by Tarini Parti in Politico.

“In Senate bid, Markey benefited by contributions and spending by PACs, outside interest groups” by Steve LeBlanc (Associated Press) in The Republic.

Arkansas: “Arkansas Is Next Battleground For Citizens United Constitutional Amendment” by Paul Blumenthal in the Huffington Post.

Colorado: “Colorado Recall Drives Reveal Influence Of ‘Dark Money’ On Local Politics” by Frederick Reese in Mint Press News.

Ethics

Arkansas: “Lt. Governor Mark Darr could face state ethics violations” by Elicia Dover in KATV News.

Massachusetts: “Former ethics officials seeking change that would assist Wolf” by Matt Murphy in the Hanover Mariner.

Missouri: “Missouri House speaker’s side business raises ethical issues” by Jason Hancock in The Kansas City Star.

Washington: “Ethics refs say free college football for lawmakers is legal” by Jordan Schrader in The Olympian.

Legislative News

“What (Not) to Expect from Congress This Session” by Peter Harkness in Governing.

“From Barbeques to Pink Running Shoes: States’ Special Sessions” by Pamela M. Prah in Stateline.

California: “Lawmakers to weigh about 400 bills in session’s last week” by Patrick McGreevy and Melanie Mason in the Los Angeles Times.

Minnesota: “Minnesota lawmakers return to St. Paul today” by Rachel E. Stassen-Berger in the Star Tribune.

Missouri: “Guns, taxes on the agenda as Missouri lawmakers return to Capitol” by Elizabeth Crisp in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Government Tech and Social Media

“Common Cause teams with techies to help voters” by The Associated Press in the Albany Times Union.

Beginning in March of 2014, contractors with the federal government will have additional requirements of disclosure concerning the hiring and employment of veterans and people with disabilities.

One regulation change sets up a hiring goal of people with disabilities for federal contractors and subcontractors. The goal is that seven percent of each job group in their workforce be staffed with qualified individuals with disabilities, according to the U.S. Labor Department press release released August 27, 2013.

The Labor Department identifies the seven percent goal as an “aspirational utilization goal” and states “the goal is not a quota”. The rule also specifies actions vendors must take in the areas of recruitment, training, record keeping, and policy dissemination. The U.S. Labor Department identifies these rules as being similar to those currently required to promote workplace equality for women and minorities.

Additionally, regulations concerning the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act have been amended to include hiring benchmarks, data collection, and allowing access to a contractor’s documentation related to compliance by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs.

The rules become effective 180 days after their publication in the Federal Register.

National:

Battle over Dark Money Takes Many Forms on State Level

Sunlight Foundation – Peter Olsen-Phillips | Published: 9/5/2013

A Sunlight Foundation survey found dozens of laws that passed or are pending in state Legislatures addressing the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizen United ruling. The foundation said while few bills have made it into law so far, the legislation that has been introduced suggests widespread interest in improving transparency at the state level.

Federal:

Feds Could Allow Bitcoin Campaign Donations

Politico – Byron Tau | Published: 9/4/2013

The FEC may determine rules governing donations made in Bitcoins and how they apply to campaigns. Lawyers for Conservative Action Fund PAC asked the agency decide if candidates and outside groups are allowed to accept the digital currency, in addition to U.S. dollars. Bitcoin, which allows for anonymous, encrypted digital transactions, has come under fire from regulators who worry about the lack of oversight and the currency’s potential use in crime.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alaska – Alaska Town Roots for Feline Mayor Attacked by Dog

Houston Chronicle – Rachel D’Oro (Associated Press) | Published: 9/5/2013

The honorary mayor of Talkeetna, Alaska is in bad shape after being attacked by a dog. Stubbs the cat made it to the mayor’s office through a write-in campaign. He has held the honorary position for more than 15 years. His election earned him enough press to catapult the town at the base of Mount McKinley into a tourist destination.

California – California Republicans Thrive at the Local Level

Los Angeles Times – Mark Barabak | Published: 9/3/2013

Over the last two decades, California has become a Democratic fortress, beyond the GOP’s reach in presidential campaigns and all but hopeless in statewide contests. At the local level, the picture is quite different. Despite the Democrats’ sizable statewide registration advantage, Republicans hold close to half the 2,500 mayoral and city council seats in California.

California – New Rules Give Daily Updates on Money in Mayor’s Race

San Diego Union Tribune – Craig Gustafson | Published: 9/4/2013

New rules in San Diego require any campaign contribution of $1,000 or more be disclosed within 24 hours during the 90-day period before an election. That is an expansion from the earlier state law that mandated such disclosures in the final 16 days of a race. The change will be in effect for the November 19 special election for mayor.

Colorado – In Colorado Recall Law, Victory for Incumbents Means Cash Refunds

Denver Post – Kurtis Lee | Published: 9/3/2013

If Senate President John Morse and Sen. Angela Giron win their recall elections, Colorado law provides that incumbents can collect up to 10 cents per vote. Morse and Giron, who face recalls for their support of gun laws passed this year by the Legislature, would have 60-days after the date of the recall election to file a request with the state.

Florida – Top Florida Senate Aide Gets $400,000 as Moonlighting Political Consultant

Tampa Bay Times – Mary Ellen Klas | Published: 8/31/2013

For three years, Chris Clark took a leave of absence from his job as a legislative staff member when the session ended and went to work as Florida Senate President Don Gaetz’s campaign manager, and earned more than $400,000. The lucrative arrangement underscores the financial ties special interests have with the Legislature as staff often cycle in and out of government and the private sector, developing relationships with the lobbyists who have a financial stake in influencing them.

Kentucky – Ex-Hoops Star Reaches Plea Deal, Could Get 2 Years

Kansas City Star – Roger Alford (Associated Press) | Published: 9/5/2013

Former Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer entered into agreements with federal and state prosecutors, as well as the Executive Branch Ethics Commission, that would resolve all charges against him. He will plead guilty to two counts and receive a sentence in the range of 21 to 27 months. Farmer had faced a five-count federal indictment for misusing state resources. He also faced a 42-count charge brought by the commission.

Massachusetts – Former Mass. LG Fined for Campaign Violations

Boston Globe – Bob Salsberg (Associated Press) | Published: 8/29/2013

Timothy Murray agreed to pay $80,000 to settle charges he collected illegal campaign contributions raised by two public officials, capping a controversy that derailed the former Massachusetts lieutenant governor’s political career. Murray collected tens of thousands of dollars in donations solicited by former Chelsea Housing Authority Executive Director Michael McLaughlin, who was indicted for several campaign finance violations, including unlawful solicitation by a public employee.

New Jersey – Birdsall Services Group Ordered to Pay $1 Million after Pleading Guilty to Making Illegal Campaign Contributions

Bergen Record – Abbott Koloff | Published: 8/31/2013

Birdsall Services Group was ordered to $1 million in criminal penalties for making illegal campaign contributions that violated New Jersey’s “pay-to-play” law. The engineering firm is prohibited from working on government contracts in New Jersey for 10 years. Birdsall ceased operating after it declared bankruptcy earlier this year and sold its assets to a California company.

New Mexico – Judge Strikes Down City Ban on Corporate Gifts

Albuquerque Journal – Dan McKay | Published: 9/5/2013

U.S. District Court Judge M. Christine Armijo ruled Albuquerque’s ban on corporate campaign contributions is unconstitutional. Armijo did not explicitly address a companion prohibition that covers donations from city contractors. Her earlier decisions, however, restricted the scope of that ban.

Oklahoma – Oklahoma Ethics Commission Seeks Clearer Rules

Enid News & Eagle – Dale Denwalt | Published: 8/30/2013

Oklahoma Ethics Commission Director Lee Slater said a rewrite of the rules governing lobbying and campaign finance is on schedule. Slater said the first set of draft rules, dealing primarily with administrative matters, will be posted soon. Additional draft guidelines will be posted around the first of October and the first of November. The commission expects to vote on a final draft in January. Those rules will become effective 90 days after adoption unless they are rejected by the Legislature.

South Carolina – Leadership Positions Pay Off in Legislature

The State – Jamie Self | Published: 9/1/2013

Climbing the leadership ladder in the South Carolina General Assembly pays fundraising dividends for powerful lawmakers, according to campaign finance reports. A review by The State found contributions increased substantially for six members elevated to powerful leadership roles in the committees that oversee state spending and laws, and the Legislature’s political caucuses.

Texas – Eluding Big Ethics Fines

San Antonio Express-News – David Saleh Rauf | Published: 9/1/2013

The Texas Ethics Commission, when challenged in court, rarely walks away with the fine it originally levied. Experts point to the appeals process, which the commission and some lawmakers argue undermines the agency’s enforcement muscle. Since 1992, the commission has been challenged four times in court and forced to settle for reduced penalties in three cases.

Virginia – Study Highlights Check-Splitting in Va. Gift Reporting

Washington Post – Laura Vozzella | Published: 8/28/2013

Lobbyists who entertain state officials in Virginia often report each meal as a gift provided by multiple clients. Spreading entertainment costs across multiple clients also understates the value of gifts provided to legislators, who base their disclosure reports on gift summaries that lobbyists provide at the end of the year. Although the practice is not necessarily intended to dodge reporting requirements, it is drawing more scrutiny.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.

National:

Private Lobbyists Get Public Pensions in 20 States

Politico; Associated Press –   | Published: 8/26/2013

Lobbyists in at least 20 states receive public pensions because they represent associations of counties, cities, and school boards. Legislatures granted them access decades ago on the premise that they serve governments and the public. But several states have started to question whether these organizations should qualify for such benefits, since they are private entities in most respects.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – San Diego Mayor Bob Filner Resigns, Faces Criminal Investigation

Los Angeles Times – Tony Perry and Richard Marosi | Published: 8/23/2013

San Diego Mayor Bob Filner resigned under a barrage of sexual harassment complaints, offering an apology to his accusers while still denying the allegations. In exchange for his resignation, the city will pay most of Filner’s legal fees. It will also cover any punitive damages against him in any lawsuit. A spokesperson for the state attorney general’s office confirmed a criminal investigation into Filner’s treatment of women is underway.

California – State Panel Changes Disclosure Rules for Public Officials’ Travel

Los Angeles Times – Patrick McGreevy | Published: 8/22/2013

The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) revised gift rules involving travel by elected officials. “[The FPPC] can only require disclosure or impose restrictions if there is a personal benefit to the individual,” said agency Chairperson Ann Ravel.

Connecticut – Former Donovan Aide Gets 38 Months in Campaign Scandal

Hartford Courant – Dave Altimari | Published: 8/27/2013

Robert Braddock, the ex-campaign finance director to former Connecticut House Speaker Chris Donovan’s unsuccessful congressional campaign, was sentenced to more than three years in prison. Braddock and seven other co-defendants who pleaded guilty were involved in a scheme that funneled nearly $28,000 to Donovan’s campaign through straw donors in an effort to get Donovan to defeat proposed legislation to raise taxes on roll-your-own cigarette shops.

Florida – Lobbyist Fee Reports Are Just another Type of Competition

Orlando Sentinel – Aaron Deslatte | Published: 8/23/2013

The large paydays reported by some Florida lobbying firms are causing many to cry foul on the state’s disclosure law. The behind-the-scenes criticism is focused on the law’s requirements mandating only that lobbyist detail what they are paid to ply their trade in $10,000 ranges. The reports have never been subjected to audits. Many complain other lobbyists engage in financial gamesmanship in order to boost their status or draw new clients.

Florida – Texas-Sized B-Day Party for Scott Aide Hosted by Lobbyist and Wife

Tampa Bay Times – Michael Van Sickler | Published: 8/27/2013

Florida Gov. Rick Scott’s chief of staff, Adam Hollingsworth attended a birthday party for another top gubernatorial staffer at the home of Daniel and Monica Russell. Daniel Russell is a registered lobbyist for Northrop Grumman, which has been in talks with the state about tax incentives for the company. The office handling those negotiations is the Department of Economic Opportunity, where Monica Russell is the spokesperson.

Illinois – DuPage County Board Loosens Cap on Campaign Contributions

Chicago Daily Herald – Robert Sanchez | Published: 8/28/2013

In an attempt to align itself with Illinois’ campaign finance law, the DuPage County Board voted to raise the county donation limit from $1,000 to the state standard of $5,300. The cap had applied to companies and consulting firms, as well as officers and owners of those entities, as well as to any individual appointed or applying for a position on a board, commission, authority, task force, or advisory committee.

Missouri – Klahr Chosen as Director of Mo. Ethics Commission

Miami Herald; Associated Press –   | Published: 8/27/2013

The Missouri Ethics Commission chose James Klahr to be the agency’s executive director beginning on September 13. He was a staff attorney for the state Senate and for Gov. Jay Nixon. Klahr replaces Julie Allen, who stepped down to become the elections director for the secretary of state’s office.

Missouri – Mo. Rep. LaFaver Arrested for Possessing Pot, Quits Democratic Campaign Role but Not House

Columbus Republic – David Lieb (Associated Press) | Published: 8/26/2013

A Missouri lawmaker who was arrested for possession of marijuana during a traffic stop said he would not resign. State Rep. Jeremy LaFaver has, however, stepped down as chairperson of the Democratic Party’s 2014 campaign committee. During this past legislative session, LaFaver sponsored a bill that would have reduced the penalties for marijuana possession; it did not pass.

Nevada – Emails Show How Political Advisers Trumped Staff in Winning Support for ‘More Cops’ Tax

Las Vegas Sun – Anjeanette Damon | Published: 8/27/2013

Before the 2013 legislative session began, Nevada Gov Brian Sandoval followed the advice of outside political advisors and decided to support a tax increase. An email exchange about the move offers a look into who holds sway at the governor’s office, including the role of the two lobbyists.

New York – Millions Sweeten the Casino Pot

Albany Times Union – James Odato | Published: 8/27/2013

The Seneca Indian Nation agreed to give David Flaum a $3 million “development fee” if a casino opens in Monroe County, and a contingency fee of up to $5 million if the tribe gets a state gaming compact by October 1. Lobbyists are banned from receiving contingency fees in New York. Flaum would have to register as a lobbyist if he begins appearing before government officials on behalf of the tribe, particularly for a gaming compact, and contract terms suggest the tribe might direct him to do so.

Ohio – Gov. John Kasich and Ohio Ethics Commission Linked by Political Contributions, Records Show

Cleveland Plain Dealer – Henry Gomez | Published: 8/23/2013

A Cleveland Plain Dealer analysis shows three of the five members of the Ohio Ethics Commission or their spouses have contributed to Gov. John Kasich’s campaigns over the years. Democrats see new relevance in these ties as they call for an ethics investigation of Kasich. The commission rejected a request to explore the governor’s involvement with Worthington Industries, a company that received state tax credits.

Ohio – OH Treasurer Crashes Twice, Makes No Staff Report

Miami Herald – Julie Carr Smyth (Associated Press) | Published: 8/27/2013

Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel might have violated state and federal campaign laws by traveling across the state this year in a vehicle bought by his failed 2012 U.S. Senate campaign. The possible violation only came to light after a traffic accident in which the Jeep Grand Cherokee was totaled.

Texas – Texas Mayor, Brother, Dad Charged with Corruption

Kansas City Star; Associated Press –   | Published: 8/28/2013

The mayor of a small city in Texas and his brother, the president of the local school board, were charged in a public corruption case that prosecutors said maintained a stranglehold over local government business for years. Also arrested was Jose Vela, the pair’s father and a maintenance worker at the local high school. Prosecutors said he ran city government through his sons and a revolving door of city council and school board candidates recruited by his family.

Virginia – Lax Laws Lead to Cloudy View of Lobbyists’ Spending

The Virginian-Pilot – Julian Walker | Published: 8/29/2013

Lobbyists reported spending $15.9 million in Virginia from May 2012 to April 2013. But critics say it is an incomplete financial picture of all that goes into policy persuasion and legislative influence in a state with lax reporting standards and enforcement of lobbyist disclosures.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.

The DuPage County Board repealed its pay-to-play provisions after learning from the state’s attorney’s office the provisions were unenforceable. As a non-home rule county, the county did not have the power to act on limiting campaign contributions because it was not specifically granted that power by the state legislature.

The changes were enacted as part of an otherwise minor update to the county’s ethics code. Provisions requiring disclosure of campaign contributions by contractors remain in place.

City Council has scheduled a special election to replace Mayor Bob Filner on November 19, 2013. Filner is scheduled to resign Friday, August 29, following sexual harassment allegations from more than a dozen women.

If one candidate wins more than 50 percent of the vote, the person would assume office December 17, 2013. If no candidate wins a majority of the vote, a runoff election would be held within the 49-day period called for by the City Charter.

Lobbying

Virginia: “Lax laws lead to cloudy view of lobbyists’ spending” by Julian Walker in
the Virginian-Pilot.

Virginia: “Lobbyist reports say $15.9 million spent in Virginia” by Olympia Meola and Jim Nolan Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Campaign Finance

California: “MapLight Launches Tool to Easily Search California Secretary of State Campaign Finance Data” by Jay Costa on Maplight.org.

Massachusetts: “Mass. AG: Lawrence mayor broke campaign law” by Steve Le Blanc in Bloomberg News.

Ethics

Florida: “3rd Fla. mayor arrested within the past month” by Curt Anderson in Bloomberg BusinessWeek.

Massachusetts: “Ethics Commission extends deadline for Dan Wolf” by Frank Phillips and Michael Levenson in the Boston Globe.

South Carolina: “SC ethics panel flip-flops on governor’s NC trip” by Adam Beam in The State.

Government Tech and Social Media

“Gamification: Governments Use Gaming Principles to Get Citizens Involved” by Colin Wood in Government Technology.

“Building the Social Town Hall” by Stephen Goldsmith in Government Technology.

Kansas: “State librarians open to texts, calls, IMs about legislative questions” in the Topeka Capital-Journal.

Lobbying

“Report: Top DC lobbyist Podesta retains Landrieu’s husband as realtor” by Alexandra Jaffe in The Hill.

Campaign Finance

Massachusetts: “St. Rep. Alan Silvia fined $20,000 by OCPF; second infraction this year” by Will Richmond in the Milford Daily News.

Ethics

“Senate Rules Committee Sets Date for Considering FEC Nominees” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

Arkansas: “State lawmakers plan refresher course on ethics” by The Associated Press in Northwest Arkansas Times.

New York: “Ex-NY assemblyman pleads guilty in corruption case” by The Associated Press in the Albany Times Union.

Ohio: “Mandel may have illegally used SUV in March crash” by Joe Vardon in The Columbus Dispatch.

South Carolina: “State Ethics Commission has questions for Haley after news of N.C. wreck” by Corey Hutchins in the Charleston City Paper.

Tennessee: “Tennessee governor names former parole board chairman to Ethics Commission” by Tom Humphrey in the Commercial Appeal.

Redistricting

Kentucky: “State lawmakers prepare for new legislative districts” by Amelia Holliday in the Hazard Herald.

City Council has passed the Public Ethics and Financial Disclosure Ordinance (O-41-12), as required by a 2011 state law. The ordinance does not change lobbyist registration or reporting dates, but does add definitions, gift restrictions, and penalties for violations.

Lobbying will now include grassroots activities, but reporting obligations remain focused on expenditures for the benefit of officials and employees. Tickets to sporting events will no longer be permitted and the Annapolis Ethics Commission may impose a fine of $5,000 for each violation.

The legislation was pre-approved by the State Ethics Commission in late October, 2012, allowing the ordinance to take effect January 1, 2014.

The Missouri Ethics Commission has announced James Klahr as the new executive director for a six-year term beginning September 13, 2013. Klahr has worked for now-Governor Jay Nixon since 1997, most recently as the administration’s legislative liaison in the Department of Public Safety.

Klahr replaces Julie Allen, who became the elections director for Secretary of State Jason Kander in January. Stacey Heislen will remain on the commission’s staff after serving as acting director.