The Tallahassee City Commission will decide whether to introduce an ethics ordinance Wednesday, but a similar ballot initiative may negate its efforts if it passes in November.
Two years ago, the Commission appointed an ethics advisory panel to assist them in crafting the new ethics ordinance. The Commission’s choice to reject some of that panel’s suggestions prompted a citizen-led ballot initiative beefing up oversight. Last week, the Commission voted to place the amendment on the ballot. But on Wednesday, they’ll vote on their original ordinance.
City Commissioner Gil Ziffer says, if both pass, the ballot measure could override the city’s proposed ordinance.
“If it is approved it November, that would be up to this committee – or commission – that is being established by the charter to establish what the responsibilities are of the ethics person they’re going to hire, how the hotline is managed and the different elements that are outlined in that charter,” Ziffer says. “So they could conceivably accept what we’re going to put in place, hopefully, Wednesday night, but that would be up to them.”
If the Commission decides to move forward with its ethics ordinance, a public hearing is scheduled for Sept. 22.
