By Howard Fischer | Capitol Media Services/Arizona Capitol Times
A Gilbert Republican lawmaker is crafting legislation he says will crack down on public officials who illegally waste money and then walk away with lucrative pensions.
Rep. Warren Petersen said his proposal would spell out that anyone who is found guilty would forfeit any future benefits. While there already are laws on the books against fraud and misappropriation of public funds, he said these cases don’t always get pursued as the official is fired or even allowed to quit.