Ethics Commission

A photo of a book

We implement the Code of Ethics(PDF, 236KB) advising the UG on ethics policy and ensuring compliance with Code provisions through regular review of governmental activities. Meeting once a month in an open session. All UG elected officials, officials, and employees must attend a basic ethics education training session within ninety days of their affiliation and a continuing ethics training session every three years thereafter.

The Code of Ethics serves as the basic rules and ethical principles for the day-to-day operations of the UG. For more information, read the Political Memorandum(PDF, 125KB)

Primarily, the Ethics Commission focuses on the following areas:

  • Conflicts of Interest
  • Employment Restrictions
  • Solicitation or acceptance of gifts
  • Gratuities and kickbacks
  • Prohibition against contingent fees
  • Confidential information
  • Prestige of office
  • Nepotism
  • Permitted and prohibited political activities
  • Whistleblowing / retaliation

The Ethics Code does not supersede other Unified Government policies such as the Procurement Code or Human Resource Policy. Additionally, the Ethics Commission does not have appellate authority over other Unified Government agencies. Complaints not covered under the Code of Ethics such as personnel issues, law enforcement actions or procurement of goods and services are referred to the appropriate agency.

Commission Meetings

The Ethics Commission is responsible for conducting meetings no less than semiannually and deliberating on ethical issues and rendering advisory opinions to the ethics administrator. The Unified Government Clerk’s Office posts proper notice of Ethics Commission meetings on the Agenda & Minutes web page.

Beginning 2025, meeting agendas and minutes will be posted to the Unified Government Clerk’s Office on the Agenda & Minutes web page.

Agenda & Minutes

Ethics Administrator

The Ethics Administrator is appointed by the Legislative Auditor of the unified government on the basis of a contract and functions on a part-time basis. The Ethics Administrator monitors the ethics hotline for complaints and suggestions. The Legislative Auditor delegates to the Ethics Administrator the authority to resolve minor ethical matters and questions. At the direction of the Ethics Commission, the Ethics Administrator may conduct all investigations of an alleged violation of the ethics code.

Ethics Commissioners

Members on the Ethics Commission for the Unified Government

The purpose of the Ethics Commission is to recommend ways to improve the Unified Government’s Ethics Code, to review and report on any and all violations of the Code of Ethics, to render advisory opinions on questions of ethics, conflicts of interest and the applicability of the Code of Ethics. The appointees are Wyandotte County residents who will serve a four-year term.

Ethics commissioners are selected to serve on the Ethics Commission for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas by an Ad Hoc Ethics Commission Appointment Panel. The Ad Hoc Ethics Commission Appointment Panel is comprised of the Chief Judge of the Wyandotte County District Court; the District Attorney of Wyandotte County, and the Legislative Auditor of Wyandotte County. The Ethics Administrator of the Unified Government serves as staff to the Ethics Commission.

Adrianne E. Ford headshot Adrianne E. Ford, UG Ethics Commission Chairperson earned a doctoral degree in philosophy from Saint Louis University, a master’s degree in business administration from Benedictine College, and a bachelor’s degree in human development from University of Saint Mary. Ms. Ford is an Associate Professor at the University of Saint Mary. She teaches Bible study to USM students and is currently a member of three Faculty Senate Committees—Faculty Development, Honors and Graduate Council. Ms. Ford is excited to combine her passion of evaluating and championing ethics while working on the Commission for the betterment of Wyandotte County.

Joseph I. Wittman headshot Joseph I. Wittman is a resident of Wyandotte County since 2017, has been involved with ethics issues and education for the past 30+ years. He earned doctoral degree in law from Washburn University, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Kansas. Mr. Wittman is a practicing attorney as well as a judge pro tem in Topeka municipal court. Continued ethics training is a requirement of Mr. Wittman’s private law practice and believes his professional experience would make him an asset to the Unified Government Ethics Commission.

Paris Clark headshot Paris Clark is a native of Wyandotte County, Ms. Clark is a proud graduate of Sumner Academy of Arts & Sciences and is dedicated to serving the community she has always called home. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Spanish (2014), as well as her Master of Arts in Counseling & Guidance at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (2018). Professionally, Ms. Clark is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and has worked in the mental health field for 6 years. In her community, Ms. Clark actively serves in ministry at the Mt Carmel Church of God in Christ in Kansas City, KS through leadership, teaching, and community outreach. Prior to her current role managing a youth outpatient therapy team, Ms. Clark has served as a Bilingual Child Therapist and Bilingual Case Manager. Additionally, Ms. Clark has served as a Teaching Assistant for the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools Early Childhood Program. She has provided special live and televised presentations on such topics as self-care and trauma to the general public and local church settings.

Adrion C. Roberson headshot Adrion C. Roberson is a lifelong Kansas City, Kansas resident with over 30 years of leadership experience in both business and nonprofit sectors. He serves as Lead Pastor of Kairos Life Church, Co-Founder and Executive Director of KC United! Youth/Family Education & Sports Initiative, and Founder/CEO of DESTINY! Consulting B.H.C., specializing in adaptive leadership development.

A graduate of Calvary University (B.S., Urban Pastoral Theology), Mr. Roberson is a faculty chair and facilitator at the Kansas Leadership Center and a certified John Maxwell Leadership Coach. His service includes the Kansas Governor’s Criminal Justice Reform Committee, multiple school and community boards, and leadership roles in initiatives impacting thousands of youth and families. He is a 2019 Kansas Health Champion and was recently recognized as a KC Changemaker by PBS/Flatland.

Married to his wife Vicky for 44 years, they have three sons, three daughters-in-law, and six grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Martha Jenkins headshot Martha Jenkins is a retired regulatory attorney who brings over 15 years of ethics experience to her service on the Unified Government Ethics Commission. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Kansas, a Juris Doctor from Washburn University, and a Certificate in Anglican Studies from Virginia Theological Seminary. Her legal career includes serving as counsel at Sprint and SCC Communications. Most recently, she was General Counsel to the District of Columbia Board of Alcohol Beverage Control, where she also served as Chief Ethics Officer. In that role, she trained and advised agency employees and board members on ethical standards, transparency, and accountability. An ordained Deacon in the Episcopal Church, Ms. Jenkins serves at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Kansas City, Kansas. She is honored to bring her commitment to integrity and public service to the Unified Government Ethics Commission.

Inquires & Complaints

We welcome your questions, comments, and complaints relating to the ethical conduct of government.

Under the Code of Ethics(PDF, 236KB) the Ethics Administrator is responsible for responding to inquiries and complaints. Communications may seek an advisory opinion concerning conduct authorized by the Code of Ethics, ask questions related to the Ethics Program, or register complaints of ethics violations.

The Ethics Hotline (913) 621-3294 is a confidential answering service and is monitored regularly by the Ethics Administrator. Though anonymous, callers are urged to leave a name and telephone number for a return response to effectively investigate all reported matters. All communications will remain confidential, used only for official investigation purposes, and callers’ identities will only be revealed upon proper judicial authority.

Making Inquiries or Complaints:

Our Mission: Promoting public trust through a politically independent, unaffiliated, and non-partisan Ethics Commission and Ethics Administrator.

Department Head

Adrianne E. Ford

Chairperson

Contact Us

Phone

(913) 621-3294

 

Email

ethics.wycokck@gmail.com

 

Location

Wyandotte County Courthouse
710 N 7th St, Suite 140
Kansas City, KS
66101

View Map

 

Hours

Monday - Friday

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Related Information

Back to top