Ethics panel says Guinn didn’t block access to records

Thursday, Nov. 21, 2002 | 9:24 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Stacy Jennings, executive director of the state Ethics Commission, Wednesday issued a statement saying the Guinn administration turned over public records requested by commission subpoenas.

A panel of the Ethics Commission Monday found Gov. Kenny Guinn had not violated the ethics law in the appointment of a cultural affairs director for the state. But the case turned into controversy with Jennings saying the administration tried to block her investigation by refusing to turn over records after a subpoena was issued.

Jennings issued a clarifying statement saying that the state Departments of Cultural Affairs and Personnel initially objected to the subpoenas but later turned over the public records.

Keith Munro, legal counsel to the governor, said, "I was totally shocked by Stacy Jennings' false allegation that the governor has failed to cooperate. We are happy now she has recanted those statements."

Munro added, "We don't want to take any personal shots at Stacy Jennings."

Jennings said Ethics Commission Chairman Todd Russell issued subpoenas for personnel-related documents but by Deputy Attorney General Steve Quinn recommended against turning over the records because the subpoenas were not lawfully issued.