Missouri Ethics Commission Says Hannibal Violated Ethics Law

A Missouri Ethics Commission ruling says the city of Hannibal violated state ethics laws in advance of last spring’s municipal election.

Penalties include a 19-hundred dollar fine that could be reduced significantly if certain criteria are met. The violations involve an informational brochure on Proposition 1 and Proposition 2 produced by the city and a series of articles produced by the city and published verbatim as paid advertisements ahead of the April 7, 2015 election. Ethics Commission executive director James Klahr says the publications are in violation of laws against advocating for such propositions. City manager Jeff LaGarce says they disagree with the finding and that an appeal is planned.