Zweifel calls for a new ethics policy

KRCG CBS 13 (Jefferson City)
June 23, 2009

Missouri State Treasurer Clint Zweifel has called for a new ethics policy at the Missouri Housing Development Commission. The new policy attempts to bar financial relationships between developers and agency officials.

Zweifel became the chairman of the commission last month.

The agency uses tax credits and tax-free bonds to help finance affordable houses and apartments.

Three years ago, a housing commissioner had sold some land to a developer who later received state tax credits.

"We should never have a repeat of a situation where a commissioner does business with, or has a financial interest in any way with a developer who then comes before the commission to do business," Zweifel said.

Zweifel told reporters he wants to require applicants for funding to disclose business relationships.

Former commissioners and staff members would need to wait before working for firms that get money from the state agency.

The agency's executive director has confirmed that he was interviewed recently by the FBI.

Zweifel said he does not know what that is about.

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