“Our principles are clear: that government service is a noble calling and public trust.” — President George H.W. Bush
A strong independent ethics agency, or “ethics commission,” ensures that government is representative, responsive, and accountable.
Elected officials often have personal interests that conflict with their duty to serve the public. Government officials may be influenced to make decisions based on private interests. Responding to those concerns, ethics commissions can require disclosure of conflicts of interest and ensure officials set aside private interests in favor of the public trust. Ethics commissions can enforce ethics, transparency, lobbying, and campaign finance laws—making sure officials know they are accountable for the integrity of our government institutions.