Ethics panel OKs fundraising for clerks’ Reno fall seminar

CARSON CITY -- The state Ethics Commission has ruled that Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio would not violate ethics laws if he signs a letter asking lobbyists to make donations to cover costs of a national meeting of legislative secretaries.

Raggio, R-Reno, asked the commission whether it would be appropriate for him or other legislators to sign fundraising letters for the American Society of Legislative Clerks and Secretaries seminar in Reno this October.

Nevada Senate Secretary Claire Clift is a member of the group's executive committee and the Legislature has contributed $60,000 toward the seminar's costs. About 300 people are expected to attend.

Ethics Commission Chairman Mark Hutchison said in the decision that Raggio would not violate any laws by signing fundraising letters since he would receive no personal benefit.

But after reviewing the fundraising letter that asked for donations as high as $5,000 and even more, the commission said that was too much, and donations should not exceed $2,000.

"The commission is concerned that such a hierarchy on donations may encourage lobbyists to donate at the highest level to curry favor in the Legislature. Even though Senator Raggio has no interest in knowing the identity of the donors, the donation hierarchy may create an appearance of impropriety," the commission ruled.

Hutchinson said Raggio and Clift agreed during an appearance before the commission that the $2,000 maximum donation was reasonable.

The commission also said Clift may use legislative equipment and supplies in sending out the fundraising letters.

The decision was made Tuesday, but not released until Friday.

Public officials are allowed to seek advisory opinions from the Ethics Commission to determine if actions they may take are legal.