Rhode Island Ethics Commission

The Commission is comprised of nine Rhode Islanders. Four are appointed directly by the Governor; five are appointed by the Governor from lists of nominees submitted by the majority and minority leaders in the House and Senate and by the House Speaker, respectively. No Commission Member may serve more than one full five-year term. While serving on the Ethics Commission, members are prohibited from holding or campaigning for public office, holding office in any political party or political committee, and participating in or contributing to any political campaign. Commissioners may neither directly nor indirectly attempt to influence any decision by a governmental body. Section 36-14-8(i) of the Rhode Island General Laws provides that Commission members shall receive one hundred dollars ($100) per day as compensation for attendance at meetings of the Commission; however, the Commissioners have not received compensation for their service since January 1991. Many other states have their own statewide ethics agencies. The current members of the Rhode Island Ethics Commission are:

Barbara Binder, Chairperson. Appointed directly by the Governor in 2004, Ms. Binder was elected by the Commission to serve as Chairperson in June, 2008. Her term expires in 2009.

Ross E. Cheit, Vice-Chairperson. Appointed by the Governor in 2004 from a list of nominations provided by the Senate Minority Leader, Professor Cheit was elected by the Commission to serve as Vice-Chairperson in June, 2008. His term expires in 2009.

J. William W. Harsch, Secretary. Appointed directly by the Governor in 2008, Mr. Harsch was elected by the Commission to serve as Secretary in June, 2008. His term expires in 2012.

Frederick K. Butler. Appointed by the Governor in 2004 from a list of nominations provided by the House Minority Leader, Mr. Butler completed the unexpired term of his predecessor that expired in 2005. He is eligible for reappointment to a full, five-year term that would expire in 2010, and continues to serve pending his reappointment or replacement.

Deborah M. Cerullo, SSND. Appointed directly by the Governor in 2008, Sister Cerullo's term expires in 2010.

Mark B. Heffner. Appointed by the Governor in 2009 from a list of nominees provided by the President of the Senate, Mr. Heffner's terms expires in 2011.

John D. Lynch, Jr. Appointed by the Governor in 2009 from a list of nominees provided by the Speaker of the House, Mr. Lynch's term expires in 2012.

Edward A. Magro. Appointed directly by the Governor in 2008, Mr. Magro's term expires in 2011.

James V. Murray. Appointed by the Governor in 1998 from a list of nominees provided by the House Majority leader, Mr. Murray's term expired in 2003 and he continues to serve pending his replacement.