About Colorado Ethics Watch

Colorado Ethics Watch uses high impact legal actions to hold public officials and organizations accountable for unethical activities that undermine the integrity of state and local government.

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Ethics Headlines

District attorney gets DUI

Cortez Journal, Mar 9, 2010
Western Tradition attacks 98-year-old corporate campaign spending ban

The Colorado Independent, Mar 9, 2010
Colo. backs off claim of investigation of lawmaker

The Denver Post, Mar 8, 2010
Web Site Tracks Where Your State Tax Money Goes

TheDenverChannel.com, Mar 7, 2010

More headlines

“Government can only be accountable if taxpayers can see what they are buying and how much they are paying for it.”

State Treasurer Cary Kennedy commenting on the Colorado Department of Treasury website that tracks how Colorado tax dollars are spent, as quoted on TheDenverChannel.com 03/07/2010.

Eye on The IEC

OAC Logo Colorado Ethics Watch actively monitors the activities of the Colorado Independent Ethics Commission (“IEC”). To date, information regarding the formation and operations of the IEC has been difficult to find. To ensure the public has easy access to complete information about IEC activities, Ethics Watch has compiled this chronology of IEC activities and related documents submitted to or produced by the IEC. Ethics Watch will update the information regularly so please check back often.

Next meeting. The next meeting of the IEC is scheduled for March 11, 2010 and is expected to include the public hearing of Complaint 09-08.

The official website of the IEC can be accessed through this link.

Feb. 11, 2010	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC approves Advisory Opinion 10-02, regarding travel paid by the federal government, and Advisory Opinion 10-03, regarding the National Governors Conference.
Feb. 4, 2010	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC discussed requests for advisory opinions on gift issues, reviewed draft job descriptions of staff members, and considered scheduling a rulemaking proceeding regarding jurisdiction for spring 2010. The IEC discussed a draft bill that would transfer the IEC to judicial offices, and expressed concerns regarding Senate Bill 10-099, which would address travel paid for by joint governmental organizations, which was the subject matter of Position Statement 10-01. The IEC also approved the issuance of subpoenas for the March 11 hearing of Complaint 09-08.
Jan. 6, 2010	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC approved Position Statement 10-01, regarding the classification of "government exchange organizations" as nonprofits for purposes of the gift ban exemption in Section (3)(3)(f) of Article XXIX of the Colorado Constitution, with a dissent from Commissioner Smith. The IEC approved Advisory Opinion 10-01, regarding acceptance of a prize by a government attorney. The IEC set a March 11 hearing date on Complaint 09-08. The IEC also discussed the job descriptions for its two staff members and considered holding two rounds of rulemaking during 2010, one to focus on jurisdictional matters and another to focus on complaint procedures.
Dec. 28, 2009	Commissioners Smith and Grossman meet with Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey to discuss a possible IEC proposal to relocate the IEC to judicial offices.
Dec. 21, 2009	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC discussed the proposed Advisory Opinion 09-06 and decided to delay setting a hearing on Complaint 09-08 pending further investigation. Commission Chair Matt Smith announced that he and Commissioner Dan Grossman intend to meet with Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey regarding the possibility that the IEC would relocate into judicial branch offices.
Dec. 17, 2009	The IEC's second staff member, Doug Platt, begins work with the Commission.
Dec. 16, 2009	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC voted to issue Advisory Opinion 09-06, regarding the application of the gift ban to things of value received from intergovernmental policy organizations. The IEC voted to proceed with a hearing on Complaint 09-08 in early March 2010.
Dec. 4, 2009	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC discussed how to divide job responsibilities after the anticipated addition of a second staff member later in the month. The IEC debated a potential position statement regarding the interpretation of the gift ban exemption for gifts paid by certain nonprofits or "other state or local government." The IEC also discussed possible rule revisions to be considered in 2010. The IEC received an update from Executive Director Jane Feldman regarding the status of the investigation of Complaint 09-08.
Nov. 20, 2009	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC discusses personnel matters and litigation in executive session. In public session, they are briefed by Jennifer Okes and Monica Cortez-Sanger of the Department of Personnel and Administration regarding state personnel rules. Also in public session, the IEC adopts Letter Ruling 09-06 regarding tours provided to legislators by corporations and trade associations, and Position Statement 09-07 regarding the definition of "independent contractor" under Article XXIX of the Colorado Constitution.
Nov. 10, 2009	The Denver District Court dismisses part of Ethics Watch's suit against the IEC regarding Advisory Opinion 09-05, ruling that advisory opinions are “neither the issuance of a general regulation nor the determination of particular rights in adjudication.” Order re Motion to Dismiss.
Oct. 20, 2009	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC approved Advisory Opinion 09-09 regarding free admission to events by public employees accompanying the Governor. The IEC conducted a public interview of Rex Burns, the subject of Complaint 09-08. The IEC also spoke with Luis Toro, Senior Counsel of Colorado Ethics Watch, regarding possible changes to the IEC Rules of Procedure. The IEC also discussed the definition of "independent contractor" for purposes of interpreting Article XXIX of the Colorado Constitution.
Oct. 8, 2009	The Larimer County Attorney files a response to Complaint 09-08 on behalf of Rex Burns. Response to Complaint 09-08 (without exhibits).
Sept. 21, 2009	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC approved Letter Ruling 09-05, regarding a request to pay expenses and a per diem to legislators attending a conference sponsored by a non-profit. The IEC also approved Position Statement 09-03, regarding future employment, and Position Statement 09-04, regarding the definition of "persons" under Amendment 41.
Sept. 14, 2009	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC heard a presentation from Judge Matthew Azer of the Office of Administrative Courts and Rich Gonzales, Executive Director of the Department of Personnel and Administration. The IEC heard a request for reconsideration of Advisory Opinion 09-02. The IEC considered Letter Ruling 09-05, regarding a request to pay per diem expenses to state legislators who attend conferences. The IEC also considered three position statements.
Aug. 31, 2009	The Denver District Court rules in favor of The Colorado Independent in its Open Meetings Act lawsuit against the IEC. August 31 Order.
Aug. 24, 2009	The IEC issues Position Statement 09-02, Restrictions on Representation After Leaving Office, and Advisory Opinion 09-08, Acceptance of a Fellowship.
Aug. 21, 2009	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC approves a position statement regarding the anti-revolving door provision of Article XXIX. The IEC discusses draft advisory opinions and position statements and votes to deny reconsideration to two complaints (09-05 and 09-06) that were previously dismissed without a hearing. The IEC voted to dismiss Complaint 09-11 as frivolous and to find Complaint 09-08 non-frivolous.
Aug. 6, 2009	The Colorado Independent publishes the first IEC executive session audiotapes released to the public as a result of the Center for Independent Media lawsuit. March 19 Executive Session tapes.
July 31, 2009	The Court in the Center for Independent Media lawsuit against the IEC holds a hearing on an order to show cause why tapes of allegedly unlawfully convened executive sessions should not be released to the public. As a result of the suit, the IEC agrees to release some executive session audiotapes.
July 23, 2009	The IEC issues Advisory Opinion 09-06, Service on the Board of a Non-Profit Entity, in response to a request from Secretary of State Bernie Buescher.
July 22, 2009	The IEC and plaintiffs file a joint status report in the Developmental Pathways case. Status report.
July 21, 2009	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC approves a revised position description for the still-vacant assistant director position. The IEC votes to approve an advisory opinion regarding potential conflicts of interest by the Secretary of State and a position statement regarding the "revolving door" ban in Article XXIX, § 4 of the Colorado Constitution. The IEC adjourned to executive session to discuss pending litigation. The IEC also voted to dismiss five complaints (09-05, 09-06, 09-07, 09-09 and 09-10) without a hearing.
July 17, 2009	The IEC files a motion to dismiss part of Ethics Watch's suit regarding Advisory Opinion 09-04. Motion to Dismiss.
July 15, 2009	Governor Ritter appoints Sally Hopper (R-Golden), who previously served as a Commissioner appointed by the state Senate, to a four-year term on the IEC.
July 7, 2009	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC met by telephone to discuss possible budget cuts and a meeting schedule. The IEC voted to offer to reduce its planned assistant director position from full time to a .6 FTE as part of a statewide budget cutting effort. The IEC then adjourned to executive session to discuss pending litigation.
July 1, 2009	Commissioner Dan Grossman begins a four year term on the IEC, replacing Commissioner Sally Hopper, whose term expired, as the commissioner appointed by the Colorado Senate.
June 30, 2009	John Moore files a complaint against Administrative Law Judge Matthew Norwood. Complaint 09-09 File. David Wright files a complaint against the Lake County Commissioners. Complaint 09-10 File.
June 25, 2009	James L. Fry files a complaint against Rex Burns of the Boxelder Basin Regional Stormwater Authority. Complaint 09-08.
June 17, 2009	The IEC issues Advisory Opinion 09-07, "Acceptance of a Prize by Governmental Employees."
June 16, 2009	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC discusses the status of the hiring process for the assistant director position. The IEC debates and votes on Advisory Opinion 09-07 regarding acceptance of prizes. The IEC discusses lessons learned from the public hearing in the Coffman case and possible changes to the way the IEC handles complaints.
June 1, 2009	Christine Small files a complaint against Steven Chavez and four other employees of the Colorado Civil Rights Commission (CCRC) regarding their handling of a civil rights complaint she filed with the CCRC. Complaint 09-07 File.
May 29, 2009	In response to the court's order in the IEC's Open Records Act litigation with Ethics Watch, the IEC makes advisory opinion and letter ruling files open for inspection. IEC Files.
May 20, 2009	The IEC issues Advisory Opinion 09-05, Acceptance of a Fellowship from a Nonprofit Entity, and advises Ethics Watch that, in response to the Denver District Court ruling in its CORA suit with Ethics Watch, it will permit inspection of documents regarding non-frivolous complaints dismissed without a hearing during 2009. IEC Response to Ethics Watch CORA. The Center for Independent Media, publishers of the Colorado Independent, and Wendy Norris file suit against the IEC for alleged violations of the Open Meetings Law. Center for Independent Media complaint.
May 20, 2009	Ron Pease files a complaint against Fort Lewis College President Dr. Brad Bartel, Provost Dr. Stephen Roderick, and two other college employees regarding the removal of Mr. Pease's name from a list of approved art exhibitors at the Fort Lewis Art Gallery. Complaint 09-06 File.
May 19, 2009	Meeting of the IEC. Monica Cortez-Sangster of the Department of Personnel and Administration briefed the IEC on the status of recruiting for the IEC's trainer position. The IEC voted to hire Jane Feldman for the Executive Director position that had been upgraded during the legislative session. The IEC discussed Advisory Opinion 09-05, Acceptance of a Fellowship from a Nonprofit Entity). The IEC then adjourned into executive session to discuss pending and imminent litigation. May 19 Agenda.
May 18, 2009	Ethics Watch files suit in Denver District Court to overturn Advisory Opinion 09-04. Complaint. Exhibits to Complaint.
May 15, 2009	James R. Bronner files a complaint against two employees of the Colorado Department of Education. The allegations of the complaint related to the same issue involving the Steamboat Springs School District that was the subject of Complaint 09-03. Complaint 09-05 File.
May 14, 2009	The Denver District Court rules in favor of Ethics Watch in the Colorado Open Records Act litigation initiated by the IEC. Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, Order and Judgment.
May 12, 2009	Trial is held in Denver District Court of the Colorado Open Records Act lawsuit between the IEC and Ethics Watch.
May 6, 2009	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC hears a report from the Executive Director and then moves into executive session.
May 5, 2009	Colorado Senate President Peter Groff appoints former Senator Dan Grossman to a term on the IEC beginning July 1, 2009. Sen. Grossman will take the seat being vacated by Commissioner Sally Hopper at the expiration of her term.
April 28, 2009	The IEC and Ethics Watch file trial briefs in their Colorado Open Records Act lawsuit. IEC Trial Brief. Ethics Watch Trial Brief. Appendix to Ethics Watch Trial Brief.
April 21, 2009	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC discusses hiring an assistant director and then adjourns to executive session.
April 17, 2009	The IEC issues Advisory Opinion 09-04, Travel Expenses from a Nonprofit Entity - Travel to Turkey
April 16, 2009	The IEC meets telephonically to discuss an advisory opinion.
April 14, 2009	The IEC issues its decision in the Mike Coffman case, Complaint No. 08-01. IEC Decision on Complaint No. 08-01.
April 8, 2009	The IEC releases Advisory Opinion 09-02, regarding the payment of bar membership fees on behalf of administrative law judges, and Advisory Opinion 09-03, on payment for tickets for use by Colorado State Patrol employees assigned to security details.
April 7, 2009	The IEC and plaintiffs file a joint status report in the Developmental Pathways case. Status Report.
April 6, 2009	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC elects Matt Smith as the new Chair and Roy Wood as new Vice Chair. The IEC also approves two advisory opinions and votes to dismiss two complaints. Outgoing Chair's Report 2009. Order on Complaint 09-03 (erroneously identified as 09-04). Order on Complaint 09-04.
March 31, 2009	The IEC meets in executive session to discuss the Coffman case.
March 18 and 19, 2009	Meetings of the IEC. On March 18, IEC members who heard the Coffman case met in executive session to deliberate. On March 19, the full IEC met to discuss hiring an assistant executive director and approved Letter Ruling 09-03, regarding payments by non-profits for meals to board members who are also government employees.
March 16, 2009	Ethics Watch and Coffman file closing briefs in the Coffman case. Ethics Watch brief. Coffman brief.
March 9, 2009	The IEC and plaintiffs file a joint status report in the Developmental Pathways case. Status Report.
March 6, 2009	The IEC holds a hearing in the Coffman case.
March 2, 2009	Bryan Porter and The Broadcast Corporation file a complaint against Rye Mayor Tom Holgerson and Trustees Sam Saracino and Joyce Smith. Complaint 09-04 File.
Feb. 27, 2009	In Coffman v. IEC, the Denver District Court enters an order denying Coffman's motion to stay the ethics hearing scheduled for March 6. Order.
Feb. 20, 2009	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC discusses procedural matters related to the hearing on the ethics complaint against former Secretary of State Mike Coffman and the IEC's plans for ethics training of state employees. Feb. 20 Minutes. The IEC also approves Advisory Opinion 09-01 (University Professors). James R. Bronner files a complaint against Robin Crossan, Laura Anderson and Denise Connelly of the Steamboat Springs School Board. Complaint 09-03 File.
Feb. 18, 2009	The IEC files its response to Coffman's motion to stay in Coffman v. IEC. IEC Response to Coffman's Motion to Stay.
Feb. 17, 2009	Ethics Watch files a motion to intervene in the Coffman v. IEC case. Motion to Intervene. Ethics Watch's proposed Answer.
Feb. 13, 2009	The IEC issues an amended hearing notice for the March 8 ethics hearing, and Coffman and Ethics Watch file their final prehearing statements. Amended Notice of Hearing. Ethics Watch Final Prehearing Statement. Coffman Final Prehearing Statement.
Feb. 11, 2009	Mike Coffman files suit against the IEC, seeking an order preventing the IEC from holding the ethics hearing scheduled for March 6. Coffman v. IEC Complaint. Emergency Motion for Stay.
Feb. 2, 2009	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC approves two letter rulings, dismisses the complaint in Case No. 09-02, and denies Mike Coffman's motion to dismiss the complaint against him in Case No. 08-01. Feb. 2 Agenda. LR 09-01 (Lunch With A Lobbyist). LR 09-02 (Luncheons). Order on Motion to Dismiss. Order on Motion to Determine Evidentiary Standard. Order on Motion to Transfer, etc. Order on Complaint 09-02.
Jan. 30, 2009	Ethics Watch files supplemental disclosures in the Coffman case. Disclosure Statement. Disclosure Documents.
Jan. 27, 2009	Laurence René Goodman files a complaint against the Gilpin County Assessor. Complaint 09-02 File.
Jan. 26, 2009	IEC releases Position Statement 09-01,"Gifts from Lobbyists."
Jan. 23, 2009	Meeting of the IEC. In Case No. 08-01, the IEC denied Mike Coffman's motion to transfer the case to an administrative law judge. The IEC also approved goals statements and Position Statement 09-01, Gifts from Lobbyists and Organizations Represented By Lobbyists, to be released January 26. Jan. 23 Agenda. Jan. 23 Minutes. Order re Motion to Recuse (filed Jan. 28).
Jan. 14, 2009	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC discussed its goals for 2009 and over a three year period. The IEC also unanimously voted to dismiss Complaint No. 09-01 under IEC Rule 7.D.3. Commissioner Wood recused himself from proceedings on the complaint against former Secretary of State Mike Coffman. Jan. 14 Agenda. Jan. 14 Minutes. Order on Complaint 09-01.
Jan. 9, 2009	Christine Small files a complaint against the Department of Regulatory Agencies and the Department of Personnel.
Dec. 17, 2008	In Case No. 08-01, Coffman files a motion to dismiss and a motion to determine evidentiary standard.
Dec. 10, 2008	In Case No. 08-01, Coffman files a motion to transfer the case or in the alternative, to disqualify Commissioner Roy Wood. Motion to Transfer, etc.
Dec. 2, 2008	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC issues Position Statement 08-03, regarding special discounts. The IEC also reschedules the hearing of the complaint against Secretary of State Mike Coffman to March 6, 2008. Dec. 2 Agenda. Position Statement 08-03.
Nov. 24, 2008	The Denver District Court holds a status conference in the Developmental Pathways litigation.
Nov. 21, 2008	The IEC issues Position Statement 08-02, regarding when "gifts of travel" are permitted under Article XXIX, § 3 of the Colorado Constitution.
Nov. 17, 2008	Meeting of the IEC. Addressing the complaint filed against Secretary of State Mike Coffman, the IEC again refuses to conduct an investigation, but grants Coffman permission to file several motions related to the case. November 17 Agenda.
Nov. 13, 2008	Ethics Watch objects to the IEC's procedural order and failure to investigate Complaint No. 08-01. Objection to Procedural Order. Exhibits to Objection.
Nov. 12, 2008	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC holds a brief public session and adjourns to executive session to discuss pending complaints and advisory opinion requests. November 12 Agenda.
Nov. 3, 2008	The IEC issues a "procedural determination" regarding Ethics Watch's complaint against Secretary of State Mike Coffman. Procedural Determination.
Oct. 30, 2008	The IEC makes public its decision to dismiss three complaints as frivolous or on jurisdictional grounds. The IEC had previously announced its determination that Ethics Watch's February 13, 2008 complaint against Secretary of State Mike Coffman is not frivolous and should proceed to a hearing. IEC Complaint page.
Oct. 27, 2008	Meeting of the IEC. In public session, the IEC discusses budget and administrative issues related to its status as an independent commission administratively placed within the Department of Personnel. The IEC adjourned into executive session to discuss pending complaints and requests for advisory opinions. October 27 Agenda.
Oct. 15, 2008	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC meets in executive session to discuss pending complaints and requests for advisory opinions. Oct. 15 Agenda.
Oct. 14, 2008	Ethics Watch requests that the IEC permit discovery in the Coffman case. Request for discovery.
Oct. 10, 2008	The IEC sets a hearing date of December 2 on Ethics Watch's complaint against Secretary of State Mike Coffman. Notice of Hearing. IEC Letter to Secretary Coffman.
Oct. 8, 2008	In response to the IEC's September 10 lawsuit, Ethics Watch files a complaint against the IEC in Denver District Court for violation of the Colorado Open Records Act. Ethics Watch Statement. The IEC issues its decisions dismissing Complaints 08-03 and 08-04. Order on Complaint 08-03. Order on Complaint 08-04.
Oct. 7, 2008	The IEC issues Position Statement 08-01, regarding certain issues related to the gift ban in Article XXIX, § 3 of the Colorado Constitution. Position Statement 08-01.
Oct. 6, 2008	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC discusses budget issues and a response to a letter from the Office of Legislative Legal Services. The IEC approves its Position Statement No. 08-01, regarding gift ban issues. The IEC stated that it expected to release the position statement on October 7, 2008. Oct. 6 Agenda.
Sept. 10, 2008	In response to a Colorado Open Records Act request served by Colorado Ethics Watch, the IEC files an application in Denver District Court for an order disallowing disclosure of documents related to complaints and requests for advisory opinions and letter rulings. IEC Application for Order Disallowing Disclosure.
Sept. 9, 2008	Jeff Hotchkiss files a complaint against the Department of Corrections. Complaint 09-04 File.
Sept. 8, 2008	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC meets in executive session to discuss personnel issues. Sept. 8 meeting notice. Sept. 5 and 8 Minutes.
Sept. 5, 2008	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC discusses its meeting schedule, then meets in executive session to discuss pending complaints and requests for advisory opinions. Sept. 5 Agenda. Sept. 5 and 8 Minutes.
Sept. 3, 2008	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC meets in executive session to discuss pending complaints and requests for advisory opinions. Sept. 3 Agenda.
Sept. 2, 2008	Colorado Ethics Watch calls on the IEC to investigate its complaint against Secretary of State Mike Coffman and files supplemental evidence in support of that complaint. Ethics Watch statement.
Sept. 1, 2008	The IEC Rules of Procedure go into effect.
Aug. 27, 2008	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC discusses the supplemental budget request it submitted to the Joint Budget Committee, then adjourns to executive session to discuss pending advisory opinion requests and complaints. August 27 Agenda. August 27 Minutes.
Aug. 25, 2008	The IEC issues a notice to state government employees regarding Democratic National Convention activities. DNC Notice. The IEC also posts on its website its privacy and open records policies. Privacy Policy. Open Records Policy.
Aug. 22, 2008	Meeting of the IEC. In open session, the IEC discusses making a supplemental budget request that could include funding for an investigator and for outside counsel on matters where the Attorney General's office agrees it has a disqualifying conflict of interest. The IEC went into executive session to discuss pending advisory opinion requests. August 22 agenda. August 22 minutes.
Aug. 18, 2008	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC discusses budget issues in open session and advisory opinion requests in executive session. August 18 agenda. August 18 Minutes.
Aug. 4, 2008	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC hears an invited speaker, Mark Davies, Executive Director of the Conflict of Interests Board of the City of New York. The IEC also heard a report from Executive Director Jane Feldman and discussed budget issues, then adjourned to executive session to discuss pending advisory opinion requests. August 4 Agenda. Mark Davies written materials. August 4 Minutes.
July 11, 2008	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC votes to adopt its proposed procedural rules, with amendments. July 11 Agenda. July 11 Minutes.
July 7, 2008	Public hearing on IEC Rules. Testifying before the IEC on the proposed rules were Chantell Taylor and Luis Toro of Colorado Ethics Watch, Elena Nuñez of Colorado Common Cause, Arapahoe County Sheriff J. Grayson Robinson, and Colorado Municipal League General Counsel Geoff Wilson. Written comments are filed by Ethics Watch and Common Cause. July 7 Agenda. Ethics Watch comments on proposed rules. Common Cause comments on proposed rules. July 7 Minutes.
July 1, 2008	Colorado Ethics Watch issues a statement on the IEC's closed-door decision to hire Jane Feldman as Executive Director. Colorado Ethics Watch July 1, 2008 Statement.
June 30, 2008	The IEC posts on its website a one sentence announcement that "Jane Feldman has been hired as the Commission's first Executive Director, effective July 1."
June 30, 2008	Colorado Ethics Watch submits its comments on the IEC's proposed Rules of Procedure. CEW comments to proposed rules.
June 13, 2008	The IEC meets in executive session to discuss the Developmental Pathways litigation and requests for advisory opinions. June 13 Agenda. June 13 Minutes.
June 2, 2008	The IEC meets in executive session to interview candidates for the position of Executive Director. June 2 Agenda. June 2 Minutes (Amended).
May 30, 2008	The IEC files its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking with the Secretary of State's office. This begins a public comment period that will run through the public hearing scheduled for July 7, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. Proposed IEC Rules.
May 20, 2008	Colorado Ethics Watch calls upon Attorney General John Suthers to withdraw as counsel to the IEC due to a conflict of interest. Colorado Ethics Watch Press Release.
May 19, 2008	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC finishes a working draft of its rules. It sets the following schedule: Proposed rules to be published May 30 with public comments to be received no later than July 7, when a public hearing on the proposed rules will be held. The final vote on the rules is set for July 11. Attorney General John Suthers addresses the IEC regarding his office's representation of the IEC. May 19 Agenda. May 14 Rules Draft.
May 9, 2008	The plaintiffs in the Developmental Pathways v. Ritter litigation submit a set of requests for advisory opinions and letter rulings to the IEC. Cover letter. Developmental Pathways Advisory Opinion Requests.
May 5, 2008	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC receives updates on budget and the executive director search and discusses rulemaking. May 5 Agenda. May 1 Rules Draft. May 5 Minutes.
April 18, 2008	IEC sends official response to request for advisory opinions filed by legislative leadership. Letter to Romanoff.
April 18, 2008	Meeting of the IEC. IEC discusses its budget, the executive director search, and procedural rules. The IEC hears three invited speakers: State Personnel Board Director Kristen E. Rozansky, State Personnel Board Member John Zakhem, and Colorado Ethics Watch Director Chantell Taylor. Meeting Agenda. April 18 Rules Draft. Meeting minutes.
April 18, 2008	Colorado Ethics Watch submits a letter to the IEC regarding two issues pertinent to the IEC’s rulemaking process. Colorado Ethics Watch Letter to IEC.
April 17, 2008	IEC meets in executive session to discuss advisory opinion requests. Meeting Agenda.
April 10, 2008	IEC meets in executive session to discuss advisory opinion requests. Meeting Agenda.
April 8, 2008	A group of legislative leaders (Reps. Romanoff and May, Sens. Groff and McElhany) submit twelve requests for advisory opinions to the IEC. Advisory Opinion Requests.
April 4, 2008	Meeting of the IEC. IEC elects Commissioner Nancy Friedman as Chair and Commissioner Matt Smith as Co-Chair. IEC discusses its budget, the executive director search and a draft of rules. Meeting Agenda. Meeting Minutes. April 4 Rules Draft.
March 24, 2008	Colorado Supreme Court denies the motion for rehearing in Developmental Pathways v. Ritter, clearing the way for the Denver District Court’s preliminary injunction against the Amendment 41 gift ban and other provisions to be dissolved.
March 17 and 18, 2008	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC voted to name Fremont County Commissioner Larry Lasha (I-Florence) as the fifth Commissioner and discussed rulemaking. March 17 Minutes. March 18 Minutes. March 17 and 18 IEC Agenda.
March 12, 2008	The IEC’s counsel notifies Colorado Ethics Watch that the IEC acknowledges receipt of its February 13 complaint and will process that complaint after the IEC begins taking action on complaints and requests for advisory opinions and letter rulings. Larson letter to Colorado Ethics Watch.
March 10, 2008	A motion for rehearing is filed in Developmental Pathways v. Ritter. The filing has the effect of delaying the Supreme Court’s mandate to the Denver District Court to dissolve the injunction.
February 29, 2008	In response to the Supreme Court decision in Developmental Pathways v. Ritter, Governor Ritter and Attorney General Suthers distribute a letter to state employees regarding the reinstatement of the Amendment 41 gift ban. Ritter-Suthers letter to state employees re Supreme Court A41 decision.
February 29, 2008	Colorado Ethics Watch requests that the IEC recognize the filing of its February 13 complaint. Colorado Ethics Watch Letter to IEC.
February 25, 2008	In response to the Supreme Court decision, the IEC issues a statement that “[u]ntil such time as the fifth commissioner is seated and the rulemaking on our complaint and advisory opinion procedures is in place, the Commission will not process complaints, requests for advisory opinions or letter rulings.” IEC Statement.
February 25, 2008	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC discusses the executive director search in executive session and has a public discussion regarding rulemaking. Meeting Agenda. Meeting Minutes.
February 25, 2008	Colorado Supreme Court issues decision in Developmental Pathways v. Ritter, stating that the court will order the Denver District Court to lift its injunction against the Amendment 41 gift ban. Under the Supreme Court’s rules, the mandate to the district court to dissolve the injunction is not issued until after motions for rehearing are ruled upon or the time period to file such a motion has passed. Supreme Court decision.
February 13, 2008	Colorado Ethics Watch files a complaint with the IEC against Secretary of State Mike Coffman, alleging violations of ethical standards of conduct. Coffman complaint.
February 11, 2008	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC discusses staffing needs, whether to allow public comments at meetings, how to respond to correspondence from the public, and procedures for rulemaking. Meeting Minutes. Meeting Agenda.
January 23, 2008	Meeting of the IEC. The IEC discusses meeting procedures, budget and staffing issues, and procedures for rulemaking. Judge Matt Azer of the Office of Administrative Courts spoke regarding budget and staffing issues. Meeting Minutes. Meeting Agenda.
December 11, 2007	First meeting of the IEC. The IEC elects Commissioner Nancy Friedman as Interim Chair and passes several motions relating to staffing, the search for the fifth commissioner, and rulemaking. Invited to speak before the IEC are Judge Matt Azer of the Office of Administrative Courts and Kristen Rozansky, Director of the State Personnel Board. Meeting Minutes.
November 5, 2007	Philip M. (“Matt”) Smith (R-Grand Junction) is appointed to the IEC by Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey.
September 6, 2007	Nancy Friedman (D-Evergreen) is appointed to the IEC by Governor Bill Ritter.
May 31, 2007	In Developmental Pathways v. Ritter, the Denver District Court enters a preliminary injunction temporarily suspending the application of the Amendment 41 gift ban and certain other provisions of Amendment 41 not related to the IEC. Preliminary Injunction Order.
May 2007	Roy Wood (D-Denver) is appointed to the IEC by the Colorado House of Representatives.
April 2007	Sally Hopper (R-Golden) is appointed to the IEC by the Colorado Senate.
April 26, 2007	SB 07-210, the Amendment 41 enabling statute, becomes law. The statute is now codified as C.R.S. § 24-18.5-101. SB 07-210 from Colorado Session Laws.
February 13, 2007	Governor Bill Ritter and Attorney General John Suthers announce to state employees the court approval of the settlement of the Boettcher Foundation lawsuit. The court agreed with the plaintiff and the State of Colorado that Boettcher scholarships do not violate Amendment 41 because the scholarship recipient provides "adequate consideration" in exchange for the scholarship. The Daniels Fund lawsuit settles shortly thereafter on similar terms. Ritter-Suthers letter to state employees.
February 9, 2007	A group of plaintiffs file suit in Denver District Court, under the caption Developmental Pathways v. Ritter, seeking an order declaring that Amendment 41 is invalid as a violation of the First Amendment. Developmental Pathways Third Amended complaint.
February 5, 2007	Boettcher Foundation files suit in Denver District Court, seeking a ruling that it may award scholarships to children of government employees under Amendment 41. The Daniels Fund files a similar lawsuit shortly thereafter.
November 7, 2006	Colorado voters approve Amendment 41. Copy of Amendment 41/Article XXIX. Amendment 41 Blue Book.

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