By Phil Riske, managing editor | Rose Law Group Reporter
Come May 6, the Mohave County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on a proposed ordinance that would make it a criminal offense for a county employee to lie to the board.
“I firmly believe the best offense is a good defense,” said District 5 Supervisor Steven Moss, who sponsors the proposal. “I don’t think we’ll ever use this, but having the option to go nuclear is a good idea. We’re trying to do our best to make a good decision. This is to ensure that we are getting good information.”
Moss said he tailored the ordinance to apply only when a county employee is speaking to the Board as a whole in a public meeting.
Two Pinal County supervisors tell Rose Law Group Reporter such a law is unnecessary and would be hard to enforce.
“My thoughts are simple. If it is determined that a county employee has purposely lied to [the board of sueprvisors] during a board meeting, that employee should be disciplined harshly including possible termination,” said Supervisor Anthony Smith. “Often times those that present to [the board] are at-will employees theoretically making termination simpler.”
But, Smith added, “I do not believe another law is necessary. “
Steve Miller, chairman of the Pinal board, said he’s more concerned about political lies.
“My frustration comes from being lied to by other elected officials,” Miller said, adding, “I agree it would be hard to enforce on county employees.”
Mohave Supervisor Buster Johnson concluded, “I think the best thing to do is hire qualified people. I think this is overkill.”
