Ethics Commission Denies League Of Cities Request

{Kentucky}...The Kentucky League of Cities, which underwent public scrutiny two years ago for extravagant spending, had asked special permission from the Executive Branch Ethics Commission to give Secretary of State Elaine Walker, who served as the group's president last year, an unspecified gift worth up to $500 in appreciation for her work with the organization while she was mayor of Bowling Green. Jon Steiner, who became the League's executive director November 1st, said the League officially asked the ethics commission "for a ruling on anything over $25, not necessarily a gift valued at $500." The Commission denied the request, saying $500 is excessive. Under Kentucky law, the state's elected leaders can only accept gifts valued at up to $25, unless the ethics panel grants an exception. Steiner said, as Bowling Green mayor, Elaine Walker gave hours of her personal time to help steer KLC through its darkest hours and to rebuild the league's credibility. We have the opinion of the commission and will abide by it.