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More changes ahead for Ga.'s ethics agency
Audit reveals continued problems with integrity
ETHICS COMMISSION Ledb
In this Nov. 5 file photo, Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal speaks during a news conference in Atlanta. The state ethics commission has been mired in lawsuits filed by former employees and allegations of outside influence. Deal proposed an overhaul of the commission during the last election campaign and there are strong indications he plans to push the issue during the upcoming legislative session. - photo by Associated Press
ATLANTA — After a stinging audit and a staffing overhaul, the state ethics commission looks to a new year that could bring even more significant changes. It's been a tumultuous time at the state ethics commission, which has been mired in recent years by a number of lawsuits filed by former employees, personnel issues and allegations of outside influence with questions raised about its ability to ensure candidates, campaign committees, lobbyists and others are disclosing their financial activities as required by law. Meanwhile, the commission has had 216 open complaints that have been pending an average of three years and has failed to consider a single complaint for a year and a half amid an employee turnover rate of 46 percent in the last two years.
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