Nevada Commission on Ethics delays written opinion in complaint involving Reno mayor

The Nevada Commission on Ethics on the record delayed action on a written opinion in ethics complaint 23-O56C involving Heather Shea, mayor of the City of Reno, after members reported conflicting draft opinions and incomplete circulation of materials.

Chair Wallen opened the item noting that Vice Chair Teller, Commissioner Lowry and Commissioner Yin served on the review panel and were precluded from participating under NRS 281.2204; the chair also said Commissioner Yin disclosed and abstained. Several commissioners said they had not received the opinion by email and requested time to review competing drafts before the commission acted. Deputy Attorney General Greg said related explanatory disclosure language would be included in a footnote to make the abstention clear.

Commissioner Shear urged postponing action rather than revising the opinion on the fly. After discussion the commission agreed not to decide by email, recessed briefly so members could review the opinion, and ultimately scheduled a short special meeting in May to complete consideration and finalize the written opinion. The chair instructed Chief Deputy Attorney Gregory Ott to finalize the opinion for legal form and service once the commission adopts it.

No formal vote on the opinion was taken at the meeting; the matter remains pending and will be revisited at a May special meeting or the next in-person meeting as scheduled.