Press
Release
Ethics ordinance
passes 2nd hurdle
By Alex Doniach,
Commercial Appeal
October 9, 2007
After a prolonged debate Monday, County Commissioners approved a change to
the county's ethics ordinance on the second of three readings.
Voting against the change were Commissioners Wyatt Bunker, Mike Ritz, Mike
Carpenter, Joyce Avery and David Lillard.
Carpenter had previously voted for the change, but switched his vote after
some reflection.
The issue arose after commissioners were forced to return University of
Memphis football season tickets because they exceeded the $200 limit.
Commissioners in support of the change said these small gifts given to
everyone would not sway votes.
"I don't think anybody is small-minded and petty enough to be persuaded by
$200 tickets, $300 tickets or whatever the value is," said Commissioner
James Harvey.
Meetings will be live on Internet
Shelby County Commission meetings will now stream live on the Internet.
On Monday, commissioners approved a $26,700 system called Granicus Streaming
Solution that will broadcast commission meetings on Shelby County's Web site
starting in January.
In addition to the initial fees, the Internet broadcast will also cost the
county $1,200 in monthly hosting fees.
This feature is only the latest in the County Commission's technology
upgrades. In September, commissioners approved a $247,400 contract for a
document management system with SIRE Technologies of Salt Lake City and a
$97,465 contract for an electronic voting system with Granicus Inc. of San
Francisco.
Commission Chairman David Lillard said this function would increase access
to county government. "This will give the public the ability in real time to
see and participate."
