County Manager extends application deadline for volunteers to serve on newly formed Ethics Commission

Clark County Council adopted a Code of Ethical Conduct that applies to elected officials, appointed committee or advisory board members, and county employees

VANCOUVER – County Manager Kathleen Otto is seeking applicants interested in volunteering for the newly created ethics commission. The original application deadline was 5 p.m. Fri., May 27. Because the county has received only one application for the three-member board, Otto is extending the application deadline to 5 p.m., Fri., June 24.

Clark County Council adopted a Code of Ethical Conduct that applies to elected officials, appointed committee or advisory board members, and county employees. As part of the adoption, the county is establishing an Ethics Review Commission and an Ethics Review and Oversight Office.

The new Code of Ethical Conduct is the result of a voter-approved amendment to the county charter. It was approved by voters in November 2021 and stipulated a deadline of July 31, 2022, for the council to adopt the code and establish the commission. 

The commission will have three members who will serve alternating three-year terms. For the initial terms, Commissioner 1 will serve a one-year term, Commissioner 2 will serve a two-year term and Commissioner 3 will serve a three-year term. Thereafter, each selected commissioner will serve three-year terms. 

Commission members must be qualified in the area of ethical conduct in government. During their tenure, no member shall hold elected office or be an officer of any political party nor be a county employee.

The commission will be responsible for hearing, investigating, and ruling on complaints of violations of the code of ethics in Clark County Code 2.07.01, Code of Ethical Conduct. 

Anyone interested in applying should send a letter of interest and résumé to Michelle Pfenning, County Manager’s Office, PO Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 or michelle.pfenning@clark.wa.gov. 

Application deadline is 5 p.m., Fri., June 24.

The county council is required to confirm commission appointees recommended by the county manager. 

The full Ethics Ordinance is on the county website at https://clark.wa.gov/sites/default/files/media/document/2022-04/2022-04-03_0.pdf. 

Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.