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Council appoints independent ethics counsel and hearing officer, city attorney reviews ethics code
Summary
The council appointed Corey Hoffman as independent ethics counsel and reappointed Jeff Wilson as hearing officer, while the city attorney reviewed key elements of Brighton’s ethics code and complaint process.
Brighton City Council on Jan. 21 appointed an independent ethics counsel and reappointed an independent hearing officer and heard a summary of the city’s ethics code from the city attorney.
City Attorney reviewed the purpose and process of the ethics code (Brighton Municipal Code Article 2-10), describing complaint procedures, grounds for conflicts of interest and prohibitions on using public office for private gain. The attorney noted a confidential written complaint can be filed for matters occurring within the previous 12 months and described the roles of the ethics counsel (investigate and prosecute complaints) and a hearing officer (adjudicate hearings).
The council approved the resolution appointing Corey Hoffman to serve as ethics counsel and reappointing Jeff Wilson as hearing officer (roll-call vote 7-0). The city attorney said both appointees have experience representing municipal governments and recommended the appointments.
The city attorney also reviewed practical guidance from the code including the $65 gift limit, rules about recusal for conflicts of interest, and that officials may request formal opinions from the city attorney’s office when unsure of a conflict. The resolution and the complaint form will be posted for public access.
