3.12.070 Ethics Commission.
A. There is established an "Ethics Commission" composed of five members appointed by the County Executive and subject to confirmation by a majority of the Council. These members shall serve without pay.
B. At least one member of the Commission shall be licensed to practice law in the State of Washington and all members shall be registered voters in the State of Washington.
C. At least three members of the Commission shall be employed in or retired from the private sector.
D. Members of the Commission shall be appointed to 3-year terms. Members shall serve until their successor is appointed or for 60 days following the expiration of the term, whichever is sooner.
E. No member of the Commission, during their tenure, shall:
1. Hold or campaign for elective office;
2. Be an officer of any political party or political committee;
3. Make contributions, or permit his or her name to be used in support of, or in opposition to, any candidate for County office;
4. Lobby or employ or assist a lobbyist.
F. No person shall be eligible for appointment to more than two consecutive 3-year terms, except as provided in PCC 3.12.070.G.
G. An individual appointed to fill a vacancy occurring other than by the expiration of a term of office shall be appointed for the unexpired term of the member they succeed, and shall be eligible for appointment to two consecutive full 3-year terms thereafter. Any vacancy occurring on the Commission shall be filled within 60 days in the manner in which that position was originally filled. A vacancy shall not impair the powers of the remaining members to exercise all the powers of the Commission.
H. The Commission may select a presiding officer in the manner it deems appropriate.
I. Three members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum and a vote of three members is required for any action or recommendation of the Commission. The Commission shall meet as frequently as it deems necessary; provided, that five days' advance written and/or electronic notice is given to each Commission member and to any person who has filed a request to be notified of such meetings.
J. In addition to the duties prescribed by the Code of Ethics, the Commission shall have the following powers:
1. Following a determination of probable cause by the Hearing Officer, act as the primary investigative body for violations of the provisions of this Chapter;
2. Preserve all files, statements, correspondence and records of proceedings for a period of seven years.
3. To adopt procedures to govern the conduct of the Commission.
4. To conduct investigations and hold hearings.
5. To advise the Executive as to budget requirements and make expenditures in accordance with the annual budget.
6. To request the services of the Prosecuting Attorney.
7. To consider questions of ethical conduct if in the public interest, and to issue advisory opinions.
8. To make recommendations to the County Executive and the County Council for amendments to this Chapter and for such other legislation affecting the subject matter of this Chapter as the Commission may deem necessary or desirable.
9. Upon request, to assist the Human Resources Department with a continuing program of education, assistance, and information regarding ethical conduct to all County officers and employees.
K. When, in the judgment of the Executive, a member of the Ethics Commission has violated any provision of this Ethics Code or other law or has engaged in any of the activities prohibited in PCC 3.12.070 E., the Executive may recommend to the County Council that the member be removed. Upon concurrence of a majority of the Council the member shall be removed from the Commission, a vacancy declared and a new member appointed.
L. Members of the Ethics Commission shall not discuss any hearing or investigation regarding a violation or alleged violation of this Code of Ethics, nor divulge the identity of any complainant or respondent except through the process prescribed by this Code.
M. The County shall provide $10,000.00 annually to the Commission, through the annual budget process, to cover the costs of staff assistance.