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The Phoenix City Council will consider a revamped ethics policy after a new task force finishes its work. As Peter O’Dowd reports, it’s part of an effort to increase government transparency.

Phoenix City Hall (Photo courtesy of City of Phoenix)

PETER O’DOWD: The city’s ethics policies haven’t been updated since 2005. Mayor Greg Stanton says there’s a lot of work to be done to build trust between government employees and politicians, and the people they serve.

GREG STANTON: Let’s be frank; there have been incidents in the state of Arizona recently that have challenged the issue of ethics in some of our elected officials.

O’DOWD: Stanton is referring to last year’s Fiesta Bowl scandal, when several Arizona politicians received free tickets to the college football game. An 11-person task force will begin its discussion this month, tackling questions about financial and familial conflicts of interest and accepting gifts. Former Maricopa County Attorney Rick Romley will be in charge.

RICK ROMLEY: We have a very difficult job, those who serve in elected offices, even more difficult today than when I served. The issues have become more complex; the issues are not as simple as my time years ago. And we must be sure we instill confidence in the decisions that are being made.

O’DOWD: Romley says the task force will create a guidebook for the city’s 14,000 employees. The city council will vote on its recommendations after the committee finishes its work at the end of the year.