Rep. Lipke named to ethics reform committee

State Rep. Scott Lipke of Jackson will be one of 12 Missouri House members who will work on ethics legislation, House Speaker Ron Richard, R-Joplin, announced Thursday. Lipke, a Republican, was appointed to the House Special Standing Committee on Government Accountability and Ethics Reform.

Lipke, now in his final year in the House, notably clashed with then-House Speaker Rod Jetton in 2007. Jetton fired Lipke as chairman of the House Crime Prevention Committee, a post he regained when Jetton left office.

Jetton's actions as a political consultant, accepting large payments from fellow lawmakers for election advice while wielding great power over legislation, are among the activities many lawmakers and Gov. Jay Nixon want to ban this year.

"Rep. Lipke is an individual of great character and someone I trust completely to do what is in the best interest of the people of Missouri," Richard said in a news release. "We want to pass legislation that will remove even the appearance of impropriety from the way elected officials do business."

State Rep. Ellen Brandom, R-Sikeston, is also on the committee, which is chaired by state Rep. Kevin Wilson, R-Neosho.

Pertinent address:

State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO