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Investigation: Ethics complaint against Anders doesn't constitute rules breach

Bruce Williams filed the complaint in April against Brad Anders as Anders conducted a campaign to be the GOP nominee for Knox County mayor.

Knoxville — An ethics complaint against Knox County Commissioner Brad Anders over free golf games appears to fall short of constituting a county rules violation, according to an investigation by the Knox County Law Director's Office.

Law Director Bud Armstrong is forwarding a report on Bruce Williams' April complaint to the Knox County Ethics Committee for its consideration.

Armstrong indicated in the report released Tuesday and obtained by 10News that Williams' document doesn't reach the level of a county ethics violation.

There's evidence Anders accepted a gift above $35 in value, the report concludes. But there's no proof that Rural/Metro expected or stood to gain anything of value in inviting Anders to play several free rounds at past charity tournaments.

Anders, who lost a bid this month to become the GOP nominee to be Knox County mayor, has told investigators he can recall playing in one tournament in 2010 at Egwani Farms in Rockford that was a fundraiser for U.S. Rep. John J. Duncan Jr.

More: Ethics complaint filed against Anders

He also can recall playing in two other subsequent charity events at the ambulance vendor's invitation.

But the ethics complaint investigation by Terry Moran couldn't find evidence that Rural/Metro intended to influence any vote by Anders or that Anders got a "direct or indirect financial benefit," Armstrong's memo to the committee states.

Rural/Metro, now known as AMR, provided ambulance services to Knox County residents at the time. But no votes were pending on its services, and an extension on its service in the county already had been approved by the time Anders first played golf in 2010, Moran's review found.

Also, the law director said, much of what Williams, of Powell, gathered appears to be hearsay. To prove a case, the complainant must present firsthand testimony or evidence and the committee must unanimously agree that a violation occurred.

Williams' complaint alleges Anders accept free items greater than $35 in value, the previous limit for officials. It's since been raised to $50.

The Moran investigation found that Rural/Metro paid entrance fees for golfers with a value range of $100 to $200. Golfers also got a goody bag that contained items such as golf balls and bottled water with a value under $35.

Those who took part in the 2010 Duncan fundraiser also got windbreakers valued at more than $35, although Anders couldn't recall getting one.

"There is no proof that Commissioner Anders received a gift from Rural/Metro in return for a favorable vote on any Rural/Metro contract," Armstrong's memo states.

If the Ethics Committee decides to proceed, Anders will have a chance to defend himself and Williams will be called on present evidence.

The Law Director's Office continues to investigate a separate complaint filed by Don Wiser alleging ethics violations against Lee Tramel, administrative chief with the Knox County Sheriff's Office.

The complaint was filed last month while Tramel was running as a GOP candidate for sheriff. He lost to Tom Spangler. Wiser, a past critic of the Sheriff's Office, is running as a state House candidate for District 19.

Last month, the Ethics Committee couldn't agree that Commissioners Charles Busler and Bob Thomas violated ethics rules when they played a free round of golf in August at the invitation of Priority Ambulance, a provider that could potentially bid for county services some day.

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