Citizens in Charge

Organizers of an ethics reform initiative criticized the Lieutenant Governor’s Office for not releasing petitions Monday for distribution, saying they suspected an 11th-hour delay tactic fueled by opposition from the political establishment. But the petitions could be certified today , Lt. Gov. Greg Bell said during a hastily called meeting with initiative organizers Monday evening. Bell, the state’s chief elections officer, called proponents’ arguments “brilliant” and “very helpful,” adding, “If the initiative is not patently unconstitutional, then it should move forward.”