Attorney General's News Release

April 28, 2008

Local public officials invited to free conference on Ethics in Government, sponsored by Attorney General's Office

Jefferson City, Mo. - Attorney General Jay Nixon is encouraging public officials from across Missouri to attend a one-day conference on Ethics in Government in Jefferson City on July 10. The seminar is being offered at no charge by Nixon's office. Almost 400 public officials attended the last ethics conference Nixon held in January 2007.

Although free, registration for the conference will be limited. Those wishing to register can do so online through the Attorney General's Web site at ago.mo.gov or they can obtain a registration form by calling the Attorney General's Office at 573-751-7052. Questions about the conference also can be directed to that number.

• Sessions at the conference will cover:
• Compliance with the Sunshine Law;
• Record keeping;
• Issues involving conflicts of interest and disclosures;
• Nepotism and other employment issues;
• How to address consumer protection concerns of constituents;
• The Americans with Disabilities Act;
• Sexual harassment;
• Sovereign immunity;
• Residency requirements; and
• Local environmental issues.

"Our goal is to make certain that ignorance of the law is not an excuse for non-compliance, and attorneys from my office will provide useful information and be ready to answer questions," Nixon said.

The 2008 conference will be held on July 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Room 490-492 of the Harry S Truman State Office Building, located at 301 W. High St. in Jefferson City. To date, almost 2,000 public officials in Missouri have attended the Ethics in Government conferences sponsored by Nixon over the past 12 years.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818