Governor’s inaction hampers Missouri’s election ethics commission • Missouri Independent

The citizens of Missouri are on the verge of losing their Ethics Commission because there is no functioning commission responsible for holding elected officials and candidates accountable.

Missouri’s stalled Ethics Commission is in a historic state of inaction, waiting for the governor to appoint new commission members.

Missourians rely on the commission to hold candidates and elected officials accountable for violating campaign finance and ethics laws. Whether it’s failing to form a candidate committee, hiring a fourth-degree relative, acting for financial gain, or committing other violations, the commission’s actions educate voters and prevent others from violating important provisions of the law.

Because there was no quorum of members able or willing to meet, the Commission took “no action” on 42% of the complaints submitted online in 2024. Of these, 27% were submitted 15 days before the local elections in April 2024.

There is no doubt that the Commission has received other allegations relating to other local and state elections or office-holders where there is a risk that the same ‘non-action’ will occur.

And the national elections on August 6 and November 5 are just around the corner.

The Missouri Ethics Commission finally has a quorum – but still can’t meet or take action

“No action” means that the Commission received a complaint alleging a violation of ethics or campaign finance laws but was unable to hold a hearing, enter into settlement negotiations with the parties, or dismiss the complaint due to lack of a quorum.

It is imperative that Governor Mike Parson act now and reactivate the MEC by appointing strong, able-bodied members who are balanced between Republicans and Democrats and will carry out their duties.

Adding to the growing concern is the fact that Executive Director Liz Ziegler’s term ends on July 31, and the commission is mandated by law to fill that position. Without an executive director and without a functioning commission, the state’s campaign finance watchdog could effectively shut down.

The Executive Director oversees the day-to-day work of the Commission, such as conducting investigations and audits, accepting candidate and lobbyist registrations, and conducting training and education. Without an Executive Director at the helm, the question arises whether the Commission headquarters has the clear authority to open its doors on August 1.

There are consequences for evading ethics and campaign finance laws when the commission is fully staffed and functioning. Reputable politicians and public officials do not want publicity that informs voters of their unethical behavior by breaking Missouri law. The publicity may stick with them for years, but the incentive to comply with ethics laws disappears if the commission cannot do its job.

The Governor of Missouri shall appoint commission members from the nominations of the congressional districts of the parties that received the two highest votes in the most recent gubernatorial election. The law requires that appointments be made within 45 days of the vacancy. The Governor shall have the right to appoint his own nominee, subject to Senate approval, if the parties do not submit nominations within the prescribed time period.

It can be difficult to find people willing to serve on the commission because of restrictions placed on members, including being prohibited from running for office, making donations for or against a candidate or cause, working as a lobbyist for the state or a political subdivision, being an official of a political party, or participating in elections other than to vote.

The restrictions take effect one year after their terms expire and help mitigate potential conflicts of interest for commissioners, who must make decisions on a bipartisan basis. But even with these restrictions, previous governors were able to appoint commissioners who served effectively and maintained a quorum.

For the sake of decency and ethics, let us hope that the Governor will appoint new commissioners very soon.