Ethics Commission unanimously approves rule to bar unfiled Form 700 filers from voting

The Ethics Commission on Aug. 24 approved an ordinance amending the Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code to restrict participation and voting by city officers who have not filed required Form 700 statements. Staff said the change responds to recurring instances — across 2013–2017 filings — when appointed officials sat and voted before submitting required financial disclosure statements.

Commissioners debated whether to carve out narrow exceptions for purely procedural items (such as approval of meeting minutes or selection of a chair) and whether participation in general public comment should be covered. Commissioner Kopp moved to delete the subsection creating exceptions to voting restrictions; other commissioners supported removing the exceptions, arguing that the obligation to file Form 700 is basic and that those who have not filed should not vote on city business. The motion to delete the exceptions carried without objection, and the ordinance passed as amended by unanimous roll call.

Vote: The roll call recorded Commissioners Chu, Rennie, Copp and Chair Keane voting yes; the measure passed unanimously (commission record shows four recorded ayes for this vote and the measure passed as amended). The ordinance will be implemented through staff and clerk processes to send notices and, where appropriate, refer continued nonfilers to the appointing authority for potential removal.

Context: Staff described that late or missing Form 700 filings persist across appointments and that a formal disqualification rule closes a transparency gap — enabling the public and staff to review potential conflicts before a vote. The commission also built in notice steps and a warning letter cycle before an appointing authority is notified about ongoing noncompliance.