New issues delay Keene's ethics hearing, complaint against Griffin

SPARK - A new citizen's complaint was filed against Reno Mayor Jeff Griffin Thursday as the Nevada Ethics Commission postponed action on charges former tourism chief Phil Keene misused company-issued credit cards for personal expenses.

Ken Rohrs, the commission's executive director, ordered a continuance in Keene's hearing until at least Oct. 26.

He said the commission must address three issues brought forward by unnamed parties with Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority before the hearing can go forward.

Keene was terminated in May by a unanimous vote of the RSCVA board on charges that he paid for over $10,000 of personal expenses on his RSCVA-issued credit cards.

The board also charged that Keene failed to reimburse the authority promptly for that use and that he improperly stored a personal vehicle on RSCVA property.

As the board prepared to terminate its embattled CEO for misconduct, Sparks activist David Farside filed a complaint against Keene with the ethics commission.

Farside's complaint charges that Keene violated Nevada statutes prohibiting public officers from using government property for personal benefit unless that use is nominal and does not give the appearance of impropriety.

''I believe it is not in the best interests of either Mr. Keene or Mr. Farside to go forward at this time,'' Rohrs told the commission.

Rohrs said he contacted Keene's attorney, Calvin Dunlap, about the new issues just before Thursday's meeting.

Keene made no comment at the meeting. But Dunlap said his client came prepared to stipulate to the facts of his credit card use without admitting any willful misconduct. Under state ethics laws, fines may only be imposed if misconduct is found to be willful.

Keene maintains that he was unaware of any rules against his credit card use and pointed out that his credit card invoices were authorized by Griffin - who at the time was RSCVA chairman as well as mayor - and several other RSCVA officials.

According to Dunlap, Keene is the victim of a ''political witch hunt'' because he opposed strong interests existing on the board which is made up of a mix of casino executives and elected officials.

Dunlap said he has no idea as yet what these new issues are or who at the RSCVA has raised them.

''I've always been a cynic, but I'm still a little surprised this popped up at the last moment,'' Dunlap said.

Farside filed the new ethics complaint Thursday against Griffin under state laws that bar public officers from grant unwarranted privileges to themselves or any other person or to authorize use of public funds if it creates the appearance of impropriety.

''As RSCVA chairman and an elected official, Griffin should have known better than to approve Keene's credit card use,'' Farside said.

The commission continued Keene's hearing until either Oct. 26 or Nov. 11 depending on Rohr's progress resolving the new issues.

Rohr, who is leaving his position to take over as administrator of the Division of Museums and History on Oct. 30, said he will make himself available to see the Keene hearing through to its conclusion.

If Keene is found guilty of willful misconduct, it could have an effect on the outcome of any wrongful termination suit he might file against the RSCVA. The Washoe County District Attorney's Office is still contemplating criminal charges against Keene.