Mayor Pro Tem Mike Martinez Investigated by Texas Ethics Commission

Austin Mayor Pro Tem Mike Martinez, who is likely the most recognizable member - aside from the Mayor, Lee Leffingwell - of the city council, is being investigated by the Texas Ethics Commission.  According to a statement from Martinez, several complaints have surfaced alleging misuse of money.  Monday, Martinez released a statement to The Austin Citysphere and said openness is the most important to him, and promised a look into the complaint and quick action.

"On June 24, 2010, I was informed of a complaint initiated by a private citizen with the Texas Ethics Commission (TEC) alleging misreporting on several of my campaign finance reports," Martinez began in the statement.  "The TEC processes all sworn complaints from private citizens and asks elected officials for a response – regardless of the basis or motivations for the complaint.

"We are in the process of examining that complaint and will take appropriate action on or before July 30 – the date requested by the Commission. While I am disappointed that there were any discrepancies seen in my disclosure, I am pleased that out of the over 600 contributions we received during the course of our campaign, our analysis shows only one correction necessary at this time.  Transparency is of vital importance to me, and I take this allegation, as I would with any allegation, seriously," said Martinez.