Revising Public Comment Procedure Potentially Altered by Irving's Ethics Code

Let's Dish on Irving's Updated Ethics Code

The heat is on in Irving as the city's Ethics Code undergoes some serious changes, effective July 1, following a swift council meeting last week.

Now, individuals earning a buck to testify at city council or planning sessions are required to register as lobbyists, even if they aren't the 'lobbyist-type'. Council members Brad LaMorgese, Mark Cronenwett, and Al Zapanta called the emergency huddle to hash these changes out.

LaMorgese explains that this move will shed some light on anyone getting paid to speak against zoning, you know, just in case there's any under-the-table dealio going down. Despite sounding like an accusation, he stresses he's not painting anyone with a broad brush. He's just lookin' out for the city council and Irving's interests.

He figured a July 1 start date would give everyone ample time to educate themselves on the changes. The city's Ethics Code has had a bit of a makeover thanks to a voter-approved proposition in the 2023 Charter Election.

The proposed alterations come hot on the heels of public debates regarding a proposed high-intensity mixed-use development's zoning change. Las Vegas Sands requested this zoning change, originationally including a destination resort with a casino gaming element—but only once it gets the green light from the state.

The resort project faced some fierce opposition from the community, but there were a few voices lending support to the plans. One speaker at a planning session provided a business address associated with the political consulting firm Murphy Nasica & Associates, according to Jimmy Bell, Families for Irving PAC political advisor.

There were even whispers that some speakers might have been paid to back the destination resort. Here's where things get interesting: both LaMorgese and Cronenwett are backed by the Families for Irving PAC, which, as far as the casino gaming thing goes, they're not exactly for it.

These changes to Irving's Ethics Code aim to promote transparency and ensure the council and planning commission make decisions based on informed opinions rather than those driven by a fistful of cash. Cronenwett emphasizes that the changes don't imply that lobbyists are a bunch of shysters; rather, it's essential to understand if someone's commenting on city matters because it's their job, or because they genuinely care about the community.

If you've got the scoop, slide it over to [email protected].

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The new changes to Irving's Ethics Code, effective July 1, now require individuals earning money to testify at city council or planning sessions to register as lobbyists, regardless of their profession.
Council members Brad LaMorgese, Mark Cronenwett, and Al Zapanta convened an emergency meeting to discuss these changes, aiming to shed light on any potential under-the-table deals during city discussions.
In addition to this, a deductible has been added to the policy-and-legislation section of the updated Ethics Code, giving everyone ample time to educate themselves about the changes.
The latest updates to the city's Ethics Code follow a voter-approved proposition in the 2023 Charter Election and are particularly relevant during public debates about policy changes, such as the proposed high-intensity mixed-use development's zoning change.
Lobbyists, including those supporting or opposing the resort project, will now be required to disclose their affiliations, in the interest of promoting transparency and ensuring that decisions are based on informed opinions rather than payments.