For a long time, Phoenix was one of the only cities of its size without an ethics commission.

But this week, the City Council approved one to independently investigate complaints against elected officials and other city leaders.

The commission was originally approved six years ago. But concerns from both sides of the aisle about things like excessive or frivolous complaints, and the diversity of its makeup kept it from materializing.

On Wednesday, the council finally approved five community members for the commission – two Democrats, two Republicans and an independent.

They’ll be able to receive allegations, take testimony and oversee the investigation and enforcement of Phoenix's gift policy or other conflicts of interest.

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