Luzerne Ethics Commission Seeks Enforcement Attorney

Ethics Commission Crisis: Can Luzerne County Find a Solution?

The Luzerne County Accountability, Conduct, And Ethics (ACE) Commission is at a crossroads.Following the resignation of its enforcement attorney, Qiana Lehman, the commission is struggling to find a replacement, raising serious questions about the future of ethical oversight in the county. This challenge highlights deeper systemic issues within the commission’s structure and its ability to effectively address ethics complaints. Can Luzerne County navigate this crisis and ensure a clear and accountable local government?

The Enforcement Attorney Dilemma

The core issue lies in the difficulty of attracting legal professionals to serve as enforcement attorneys. The ACE Code mandates that these attorneys act as a “tribunal,” a requirement that Commission Chairman Walter Griffith believes is deterring potential candidates. With the position paying $225 an hour,the lack of interest suggests the problem goes beyond mere compensation.

Did You Know? According to a 2023 study by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), nearly 40% of local governments report difficulties in recruiting qualified professionals for specialized roles like ethics enforcement.

A Flawed System? Calls for Reform

Griffith advocates for amending the ACE Code to eliminate the need for an enforcement attorney altogether, arguing that the commission already has a solicitor and the expertise of District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce. However, this proposal raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and whether the commission can maintain its independence without dedicated enforcement counsel.

Vice Chairman Ben Herring points out another critical flaw: the complex legal process required by the ACE Code may discourage individuals from filing complaints, leading to a lack of accountability. The ACE commission hasn’t received a complaint since June 5, 2024, underscoring the urgency of reform.

Pro Tip: Streamlining the complaint process and ensuring confidentiality can substantially increase the number of ethics complaints filed and addressed. consider implementing an anonymous reporting system.

Government study Commission Weighs In

The county government study commission,tasked with revising the home rule charter,has noted the ACE code’s ineffectiveness. They aim to put a revised charter on the November general election ballot, proposing changes to how ACE commission members are selected. under the current charter, commission members include the county manager, district attorney, controller, and two council-appointed registered voters.

The proposed revision would grant the council more control over commission appointments and mandate that they ratify or amend the ACE Code within nine months of the charter’s effective date. This revision also includes requirements for council to receive conclusions and recommendations on all ethics complaints and an annual report detailing complaint statistics.

The Path Forward: Key Reforms Under Consideration

Several reforms are being considered to revitalize the ACE Commission and enhance ethical oversight:

• Streamlining the Complaint Process: Simplifying procedures to encourage reporting and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
• Clarifying Roles and Responsibilities: Defining clear roles for the solicitor, district attorney, and other stakeholders to avoid conflicts of interest.
• Enhancing Transparency: Implementing regular public reporting on commission activities and complaint dispositions.
• Providing Training and Education: Offering ethics training for county employees and officials to promote a culture of compliance.

The changes being considered aim to address the current ineffectiveness and ensure the ethics commission can meet its mandate.

Did You Know? According to the National Association of Counties (NACo), counties with strong ethics programs experience fewer instances of corruption and increased public trust.

Comparative Analysis of Key Issues

Issue	Current Status	Proposed Solution
Enforcement Attorney Shortage	Difficulty recruiting attorneys due to “tribunal” requirements.	Eliminate the requirement or revise the role to be more appealing.
Ineffective Complaint Process	Complex legal procedures discourage filing complaints.	Streamline the process and ensure confidentiality.
Commission Composition	members include county manager, district attorney, controller, and two council appointees.	Grant council more control over appointments.
reporting and Transparency	Limited public reporting on commission activities.	Mandate regular reports on complaint statistics and dispositions.

Reader Engagement

What changes do you think would make the ACE commission more effective? Should the role of enforcement attorney be eliminated,or can it be reformed? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is Luzerne County’s ethics commission struggling to find an enforcement attorney?

The requirement for enforcement attorneys to operate as a “tribunal” is deterring potential candidates, according to Commission Chairman Walter Griffith. This,combined with the complexities of the ACE Code,makes the position less appealing.

What reforms are being considered for the ACE Commission?

Reforms include streamlining the complaint process, clarifying roles and responsibilities, enhancing transparency through regular reporting, and providing ethics training for county employees and officials.

How might the proposed revised charter effect the ACE Commission?

The revised charter would give the county council more control over commission appointments and require them to ratify or amend the ACE Code within nine months of the charter’s effective date.It also mandates regular reporting on ethics complaints.

What was the last time the ACE Commission had a complaint?

The ACE Commission hasn’t received a complaint since june 5, 2024.

Given the current crisis facing the ACE Commission, what specific steps can the county take to improve public trust and accountability beyond the proposed changes to the home rule charter?

Ethics Commission Crisis: An Interview with Governance Expert, Dr. Evelyn Hayes

Archyde News Editor: Welcome, Dr. hayes. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the ongoing Ethics Commission crisis in Luzerne County. The recent resignation of the enforcement attorney has brought the Accountability, Conduct, and Ethics (ACE) Commission into sharp focus. As a governance expert,what are your initial thoughts on the situation?

Dr. Evelyn Hayes: Thank you for having me. It’s clear that Luzerne County is facing a significant challenge. The inability to attract and retain qualified legal professionals for the enforcement attorney role points to deeper structural issues within the ACE Commission. The core problem is likely a combination of factors: the perception of the role, the legal and administrative complexities, and perhaps even the overall public perception of the commission itself.

The Enforcement attorney dilemma: A Closer Look

Archyde News Editor: The “tribunal” requirement seems to be a major deterrent. What are the practical implications of this, and how might it impact potential candidates?

Dr. Evelyn Hayes: The “tribunal” designation inherently places significant responsibility on the enforcement attorney. it suggests that they are acting like a judge, which could be off-putting. Many attorneys might be hesitant to assume such a role, especially in a part-time capacity. Furthermore, the legal and administrative challenges add a burden. A more appealing option might include a change of the tribunal requirement. Streamlining their role. Also offering more appealing compensation could increase interest.

Archyde News Editor: Chairman Griffith is proposing eliminating the enforcement attorney role altogether. What are the potential pitfalls of this solution?

Dr.Evelyn Hayes: Eliminating the role entirely could severely undermine the independence of the commission. Relying solely on the solicitor and the District Attorney raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest. The perception of impartiality and the ability to investigate and prosecute ethics violations independently are crucial for maintaining public trust. Without a dedicated enforcement counsel, the commission’s ability to fulfill its mandate could be severely compromised.

Reforming the System: Priorities for Change

Archyde News Editor: Vice Chairman Herring has highlighted the complex complaint process. How could this be simplified?

Dr. Evelyn Hayes: One key step is to simplify the complaint process itself.The goal is to make it easy for citizens to report potential ethical violations,while also protecting the confidentiality of the reporting party. This might involve creating a streamlined online form, offering multiple reporting options, and ensuring the process is easily understandable. Transparency is also a key aspect to consider here.

Archyde News Editor: The county government study commission is considering revisions to the home rule charter. How significant are these proposed changes?

Dr. Evelyn Hayes: The proposed revisions are a critical step. Granting the council more control over appointments is a move toward more public responsibility. Requiring council validation of the ACE Code will help shape the next move. Adding required reporting, on all levels will strengthen the commission. Giving the council more oversight can enhance accountability.

The Accountability Path: What’s Next?

Archyde News Editor: What specific steps should the Luzerne County ACE Commission prioritize to ensure the commission is effective?

Dr. Evelyn Hayes: First, and foremost, the commission needs to streamline its complaint processes. Next, it should aim to clarify roles and responsibilities. Then, Enhance transparency through regular public reporting on commission activities, and also implement ethics training. By adopting these strategies, the Luzerne County can take the first steps to restore faith in the ethics commission.

Archyde News Editor: Enhanced transparency is frequently enough emphasized in these scenarios. How can it benefit the commission and county?

Dr. Evelyn Hayes: Transparency is central to building public trust. Regular reports on commission activities, detailing the nature of complaints received, the outcomes of investigations, and any penalties imposed, builds trust with citizens.A transparent process enhances the public’s perception of fairness and of impartial operations for the commission. This, in turn, fosters a culture of accountability and ethical behavior.

Archyde News Editor: what is the most critical factor for success in revitalizing the ACE Commission and ensuring ethical governance in luzerne County?

Dr. Evelyn Hayes: I believe that the willingness to commit to change is vital if the ACE Commission is to succeed. This commitment must come from both the government officials and residents. It requires decisive action, transparent operations, and a dedication to building a culture of ethics that will stand the test of time. Openness and accountability are essential.

Archyde News Editor: Dr. Hayes, thank you for your insights. Your analysis provides a valuable framework for understanding the challenges and possible solutions for the Ethics Commission crisis. We appreciate your time today.

Dr. Evelyn Hayes: My pleasure. I hope Luzerne County can begin to implement these changes.

Reader engagement

What do you believe is the most crucial change the ACE Commission has to implement?