From The Desk Down State

In the wake of federal indictments and raids, and elected official resignations, a special legislative panel heard testimony during the week addressing ethics and lobbying legal loopholes.

Representatives from local governments and good-government organizations spent nearly four hours meeting with the bipartisan Senate and House Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform on January 15.

The witnesses testified about the existing ethics rules and perceived shortcomings in state law. Arguments were made for closing the so-called “revolving door” loophole that allows elected officials to immed...