ATLANTA - An expanded and tougher city ethics board and an officer to act as prosecutor for the panel are among new measures approved by the City Council. <br>
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Mayor Shirley Franklin, who cited ethics as the top issue during her fall campaign, promised to sign the new bill, which will apply to 8,000 city employees, the council and mayor as well as dozens of members of various boards and authorities. <br>
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The legislation approved Wednesday abolishes the current five-member ethics board and establishes a seven-member group that will be empowered to initiate investigations, issue subpoenas and impose fines up to $1,000. <br>
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It also creates an ethics officer who will act as investigator and prosecutor for the board, as well as conduct employee training. <br>
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After Franklin's approval, the rules will take effect in 60 days.
