Ethics complaints on two lawmakers moves forward

Two ethics complaints against state lawmakers {both Republicans} moved forward on Monday, one to a formal hearing and a second to another round in September.

The Colorado Independent Ethics Commission, which is charged with reviewing violations of the state’s ethics law, also known as Amendment 41, gave state Sen. Vicki Marble of Fort Collins until September 11 to hire attorneys to defend her on an ethics complaint.

The complaint stems from a February town hall she hosted at CB Potts in Broomfield. Marble invited Broomfield residents to the restaurant to hear about oil and gas development. Extraction Oil and Gas LLC picked up the tab for the gathering, which including two free bar drinks and an appetizer buffet.

That appears to be a violation of state ethics law, according to Sarah Hall Mann of Broomfield, who filed a complaint, claiming that Marble accepted a gift from Extraction that exceeds the state limit on gifts to lawmakers.

Read more: http://www.coloradoindependent.com/166429/ethics-complaints-marble-ransom-iec