Ethics commission rules on expenses for officials

DAILY MAIL STAFF

County commissions can use taxpayer dollars to join the localchamber of commerce, but commissioners and their staff will have tobuy tickets for chamber events out of their own pockets, the stateEthics Commission ruled today. An unidentified county commissionasked the commission both questions, arguing that joining thechamber and attending its events would give commissioners and staffmembers a chance to meet with community leaders.

Rick Alker, executive director of the commission, said today thata commission joining a chamber of commerce wouldn't provide anypersonal gain for the individual members.

Going to a dinner or other event would, and it …