Watchdogs on short leashes

By Kenneth Vogel and Leah Rush

For most legislatures, ethics enforcement is an in-house affair; for the rest, agencies that oversee them are kept on a short leash

Excerpts from this story referencing "Ethics Commission":

"… ates that have that," said Alan Plofsky, director of the Connecticut State Ethics Commission.Scope of the surveyThe study, conducted between October 2000 and October 2 …"

"… think the JCLE would have investigated the Young case.Even if the Maryland Ethics Commission had been aware that Young didn't fully disclose his economic interests on …"

"… considering action against legislators.Behind closed doorsSouth Carolina's Ethics Commission also leaves the regulation of legislative ethics to legislative committees …"

"… partisanship.Carol Williams, executive director of the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission, agreed. "There's just no way [legislative ethics committees] could deal w …"

Policing the politicians; state ethics commissions lack muscle

By Caitlin Ginley

Underfunded, politically crippled commissions frequently do little more than slap wrists

Excerpts from this story referencing "Texas Ethics Commission":

"… hat do have ethics panels, some are clearly making an honest go of it. The Texas Ethics Commission, charged with overseeing campaign finance and lobbying reports, is one of …"

"… th in the state ethics law.”Policing the Powerful: No Teeth, No Bite The Texas Ethics Commission consists of eight board members: four appointed by the governor, two by th …"

"… ts, it would affect my vote,” she said.Attorney Fred Lewis said that the Texas Ethics Commission often finds itself in a tight spot, as the legislature ultimately controls …"

"… osition. “They realize it’s the hand that feeds them,” he said. Texas Ethics Commissioner Paul Hobby, who was appointed by the House speaker in December, said the …"

More cities offering wireless Internet access

By David Baumgarten

Bells call it unfair competition

Excerpts from this story referencing "Time Warner Inc.":

"… sidents pay $15.99 per month—which is less than what incumbent providers Time Warner Inc. and Sprint Corp. charge for traditional broadband access. With more than 2 …"