PTI Subpoenas John Hickenlooper to Testify at the Independent Ethics Commission

For Immediate Release: 05/28/20    

Denver, CO – On February 7, 2020, John Hickenlooper agreed to voluntarily testify before Colorado's Independent Ethics Commission on whether he illegally accepted gifts while Governor of Colorado.  On May 22nd, Hickenlooper’s lawyers filed a motion with the Commission telling them that Hickenlooper will not testify at the scheduled June 4 Ethics Commission hearing.  As a result, Public Trust Institute must subpoena John Hickenlooper to testify before the Independent Ethics Commission.

“It’s time for John Hickenlooper to come out of hiding and fully participate in the Independent Ethics Commission’s hearing on whether he illegally accepted gifts while Governor,” said Frank McNulty of the Public Trust Institute.  “The charges against Hickenlooper are significant.  As Governor he accepted gifts from foreign corporations, wealthy friends, and companies owned by campaign donors.  Hickenlooper must stop hiding and hold to the promise he made to show up for his Ethics Commission hearing.”

In previous motions both parties supported an in-person hearing.  The Independent Ethics Commission reviewed the arguments and scheduled the hearing for June 4.  Hickenlooper wants to delay the hearing until August, “assuming that it can be safely held on those dates.” (Hickenlooper May 28, 2020 letter). The Public Trust Institute agrees with the Colorado Independent Ethics Commission that this hearing should not be delayed further.  There is no guarantee a hearing can take place in-person in August and this matter must be resolved - 18 months after the Complaint was filed. 

“Everyone agrees that in a perfect world this hearing would take place in person. People across the country are dealing with new realties caused by the health crisis, including virtually every court across the country moving to an online hearing platform. John Hickenlooper is not above the law and he is not above the inconveniences we are dealing with. The complaint was filed over 18 months ago and John Hickenlooper needs to just stop playing games and tell the truth for one hour to finalize this issue.  He needs to stop running from this.  We respect the Ethics Commission’s decision to move forward and will participate fully in next week’s hearing.  The only question now is whether Hickenlooper will show up,” finished Staiert.

About the Public Trust Institute:  The Public Trust Institute (PTI) was founded to help restore the public trust in American leadership.  PTI monitors federal and state activities and holds public officials accountable for ethical abuses.  Learn more at: www.publictrustinstitute.org