El Paso County Ethics Commission Discusses Conflict Of Interest
Thursday afternoon, the El Paso County Ethics Commission acknowledged the Texas Attorney General’s opinion regarding who should give the commission legal representation.
It happened during the first meeting since one of the commission’s most outspoken members resigned.
Who should give legal representation is also a matter attorney Stuart Leeds addresses in his letter of resignation to the commission; which was published in the El Paso Times.
“There’s always potential for conflict and we’re hyper aware of that, but there is a mechanism in place to avoid those,” said David Nemir, the commission’s chairman.
Conflict of interest was the topic of conversation during this week’s meeting. Coincidentally on the agenda, relating to the topic, an opinion from Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott.
He responded to the County Attorney’s question about the legality of her office representing the commission.
In his opinion Abbott stated, “The County Attorney of El Paso County is required to represent the El Paso County Ethics Commission in all matters.”
But if there is a conflict of interest, as has been suggested in Leeds’ letter of resignation, “Those questions have to go to the state bar and are dictated by the values of professional responsibility for all attorneys,” said Joe Gonzalez, assistant county attorney.
He also said the ultimate decision will then be left to the commission to seek outside legal counsel.
“We advise, we provide the legal advice, but the client makes the call,” Gonzalez said.
As for Leeds’ departure and accusations, “Mr. Leeds’ term was due to expire next month, so at the time it occurs is unfortunate, but we’ll lose him these next two meetings, but that’s the extent of it,” said Nemir.
Leeds did not return calls from ABC-7 requesting comment about this story.
Gonzalez said Leeds’ replacement cannot yet be appointed because in his resignation letter, he reportedly addressed it to David Nemir instead of County Judge Anthony Cobos who appointed him.
Cobos told ABC-7 he hasn’t made a decision if he will appoint Leeds’ replacement before the end of his term.
