Collins, Bruce feisty at ethics hearing

The arbiter of an ethics hearing for Colorado Springs Councilwoman Helen Collins had stern words for her and her friend, former politician Douglas Bruce.

Boyd Boland, a former judge serving as arbiter of the hearing by the city’s Independent Ethics Commission, warned Collins and Bruce several times about their behavior Monday.

Boland twice threatened to have security guards escort Bruce from the hearing because Bruce was reluctant to leave the hearing room before testifying, and for giving too much help to Collins.

Boland also scolded the two while Bruce was being cross-examined by Collins.

“There’s too much talking, Mr. Bruce,” Boland said. “I want direct answers and specific questions.”

Collins has been fighting ethics complaints for the past year. An investigation by the commission accused her of unethical conduct by being involved in the sale of a townhouse owned by Bruce’s late mother.

William Wright, an attorney for the commission, argued that Bruce signed the townhouse’s title deed over to Collins to avoid paying a $7,500 court judgment to the city because of a wastewater problem at one of his properties.

“It’s conduct that in fact creates an appearance of impropriety, or is a violation of law or ethical standards,” Wright said.

Collins and Bruce deny any wrongdoing and criticize the commission’s investigative process.

“I didn’t cost the city any money, not one penny,” Collins said. “This is a total witch hunt and everybody in the state knows it. The public knows it.”

“This is money that was not income to her,” Bruce said. “It wasn’t a loss to me. This was a tax-exempt transaction because it was an inheritance. They’re out to get me, and anyone who is friends with me.”

Bruce’s said his $7,500 judgment was $21,000 before the city admitted a mistake in calculating the amount — further proof, he believes, that officials have a personal vendetta against him.

Ten people testified Monday, all of whom had some involvement with or knowledge of the townhouse sale.

Among those testifying was Craig Valentine, an investigator with the commission. Collins asked him if the commission has ever gone so far in pursuing ethics charges against an elected official.

“No,” Valentine replied.

The hearing was held in the Wells Fargo Tower downtown. The procedure was scheduled through Thursday but wrapped up on Wednesday morning. Both sides chose to submit written closing statements.

If found guilty of ethics violations, Collins could receive a formal reprimand but won’t lose her council seat.