LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The attorney for a state telecommunications regulator accused of improperly working part-time for a telecommunications consulting firm said her client’s second job doesn’t violate state law or his oath of office.
State Sen. Jim Smith and other officials have raised questions about Nebraska Public Service Commission executive director Jeff Pursley’s position with Parrish, Blessing and Associates. The outside work appears to constitute at least an indirect interest that would violate state conflict-of-interest law, Smith has said.
Pursley’s attorney, Jeanette Stull, told the Lincoln Journal Star (https://bit.ly/2nYDTLs ) on Wednesday that her legal research shows Pursley’s work doesn’t bring him into direct contact with any clients regulated by the commission or constitute an indirect interest.
Pursley said the five elected commissioners were aware of his part-time work when they hired him two years ago. He kept the job because it offers health insurance coverage vital to his family, he said.
The commission regulates oil pipelines, telecommunications, natural gas utilities, grain dealers, taxis and manufactured homes and recreational vehicles.
Frank Daley, executive director of the state’s Accountability and Disclosure Commission, last week issued an opinion that Pursley’s work for Parrish, Blessing doesn’t violate state accountability laws.
Pursley had requested an opinion from Daley, who also advised Pursley to find out whether the commission has any policies concerning the outside employment of its staff.
According to a copy of his contract with the commission, he’s allowed to “undertake other professional duties and obligations which do not represent a conflict or interfere” with his commission work and it doesn’t require him to end that outside work.
Commission chairman Tim Schram has declined to comment, saying the commission is reviewing the issue.
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Information from: Lincoln Journal Star, https://www.journalstar.com
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