PHOENIX — The Phoenix City Council has recently appointed the first members of its watchdog ethics commission, six years after the city created the independent entity.
Two Republicans, two Democrats and one independent were appointed this week to serve on the ethics commission and investigate claims of misconduct made against the city's elected officials and board members.
The commission is specifically tasked with probing issues involving possible conflicts of interest or violations of the city's gift policy. After screening complaints, the commission can recommend actions that should be taken by the council.
The five members of the commission include:
- Jose Samuel Leyvas III (R)
- Cheryl Pietkiewicz (R)
- Louie Lujan (D)
- Patricia Sallen (D)
- Peter Schirripa (I)
Back in June, Mayor Kate Gallego announced she was seeking applicants for the ethics commission after several years had passed since the commission was first established in 2017.
Phoenix had been one of the largest U.S. cities to not have a functioning ethics commission actively reviewing complaints, according to the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism.
Kevin Robinson, one of the council's newest members, made activating the ethics commission one of his priorities while running for office earlier this year.
Information on reporting ethical concerns involving the city can be found here.
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