San Francisco Ethics Commissioner resigns

By Luke Thomas

January 3, 2007, 10:00 p.m.

San Francisco Ethics Commissioner Kim Manolius has tendered his resignation effective December 31, 2006.

Ethics Commission Executive Director John Saint Croix said Manolius cited 'a personal family issue that required his immediate attention' as the reason why Manolius resigned his post.

Created by voters with the passage of Proposition K in November 1993, the Ethics Commission is empowered to administer the City's campaign contribution, conflict of interest, lobbying and whistle-blowing laws; to investigate alleged violations of those laws and to impose penalties; and to submit directly to voters ordinances relating to governmental ethics.

Five city goverment bodies including the Board of Supervisors, the Mayor's Office, the District Attorney's office, the Assessor's office and the City Attorney's office are, by city charter, empowered to appoint one commissioner each to the five-member panel.

City Attorney Dennis Herrera appointed Manolius on March 20, 2006 and holds sole discretion over appointing a replacement commissioner to the panel.

Reached for comment by phone, City Attorney Deputy Press Secretary Alexis Truchan said a replacement for Manolius will be announced Monday.

####