Complaint Against Mertz Dismissed

An ethics complaint filed against State Representative Dolores Mertz (D-Ottosen) by Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement (ICCI) was dismissed in early March reports Iowa CCI and Radio Iowa. ICCI charged that Rep. Mertz, who is chair of the House Agriculture Committee, has a conflict of interest because of financial and family ties to the hog industry. Two of Mertz's sons own a 4000 head CAFO in Kossuth County, and they pay Rep. Mertz to spread manure on her farm.

As committee chair, Rep. Mertz has the ability to kill bills unfavorable to the hog industry.

Rep. Tyler Olson (D-Cedar Rapids), member of the Iowa House Ethics Committee, said the House rules allow members to serve in leadership rules if they have "special knowledge" of a profession.

The House Ethics Committee ruled that ICCI couldn't refile a similar complaint against Mertz.