Looks like another judgment rendered by the state Ethics Commission. (Getty Images)
In Nevada, a dishonest real estate agent or property manager can face six-figure fines and career-ending license revocations. Meanwhile, government officials who violate state ethics laws often receive mere wrist slaps – before moving on to lucrative positions with greater power. This contrast reveals a troubling pattern: The Nevada Commission on Ethics, meant to be a vital backstop for public trust in government, has become a toothless tiger.
In Nevada, why do we treat unethical behavior in real estate transactions more seriously than violations of law by government officials? The Nevada Real Estate Division shows what actual enforcement looks like – when you get bit by that tiger, it has genuine consequences.
The Nevada Commission on Ethics’ recent enforcement actions tell an upsetting story. When former Reno City Council member Neoma Jardon violated ethics laws upon leaving her position, she received a $3,060 fine. Her reward? A permanent (no need for re-election) CEO job with the quasi-public Downtown Reno Partnership, an annual salary increase, and authority expanded from being one of seven council members to becoming a sole decision-maker.
Similarly, when then-Sheriff Lombardo broke the law dozens, maybe hundreds of times, to campaign for governor, he faced a $20,000 fine. His reward was the governorship – a position of immeasurably greater wealth, influence, and authority.
For ambitious officials, these fines have become merely a cost of doing business – a nominal fee on the path to money and power.
The pattern continues with three ongoing Ethics Commission cases involving Reno City officials. Councilmember Devon Reese is under investigation for two separate matters. Former Reno City Manager Doug Thornely is also the subject of a recent complaint.
In their roles at the City of Reno, both Reese and Thornley had front-row seats as their colleague Jardon faced minimal consequences when moving to a more powerful, higher-paying position. The message was clear: breaking Nevada ethics laws is merely a speed bump on the road to greater influence and authority.
While my direct observations focus on Reno, one must wonder how many similar situations exist in Las Vegas, Elko, and other Nevada jurisdictions.
This is not to impugn all or most public servants. My observations show most people enter public service for the right reasons, and honest mistakes deserve proportionate responses. However, a pattern is developing from the Ethics Commission. The consequence of a violation of ethics law is insignificant when measured against the ill-gotten rewards of abusing the access that comes with public service.
The Commission’s tepid enforcement isn’t due to a lack of legal authority. Nevada Law empowers the Commission to take corrective actions ranging from formal apologies to $25,000 per incident. In severe cases, they can seek removal from office.
Yet the Commission consistently opts for minimal penalties, citing concerns about appearing “arbitrary and capricious” or reducing investigatory costs. This reasoning rings hollow. Enforcing state law as written is neither arbitrary nor capricious, nor should it be a budget-saving issue, particularly when addressing willful, repeated violations resulting in significant personal gain.
The Commission dedicates significant resources to outreach and education – a worthy endeavor – but they seem to have forgotten that ignorance of ethics laws is no excuse for public officials, just as ignorance wouldn’t excuse a traffic violation for the general public. Officials wielding significant power and responsibility do not get to claim “I didn’t know better,” as an acceptable defense to illegal activities.
Exasperating the problem, the Ethics Commission’s fine structure hasn’t been adjusted in over two decades, even as penalties for traffic violations and other crimes are adjusted. This reinforces the concept that calculating government officials face penalties that amount to pocket change.
Enforcing ethics law is not about red, blue, or purple politics. It is about Nevada and the integrity of our state and local governments. Ethics does not depend on party affiliation or political ideology. Officials in the examples above are from both major parties. Strong and consistent enforcement of Nevada’s ethics law ensures that our public officials serve the public above their own interests. It is called PUBLIC SERVICE.
The Nevada Ethics Commission must reclaim its role as a genuine protector of public trust. It’s time to stop being an insignificant cost of doing business and start being the watchdog our state and municipalities require.