Ethics Spotlight
MARK HELLNER – Ethics Officer for the Illinois Department of Revenue
Mark’s responsibility as Ethics Officer involves training and advising over 2500 employees. Mark monitors compliance with the annual ethics training and has legal oversight for the Department of Revenue, which recently absorbed the smaller agencies of the Lottery, Liquor Control Commission and Racing Board. Mark also serves as General Counsel for the Department of Revenue.
The Department of Revenue’s primary responsibilities are: preparation of tax laws and regulations, licensing of charitable games, investigation of tax offenses, publication of tax bulletins, management of the lottery, horse racing and liquor licensing.
Mark believes that the top three ethics issues in state government today concern the hiring of merit employees, the influence of lobbyists in state government along with political contributions to state officials.
Many of the questions Mark receives from employees involve revolving door issues and what is an acceptable gift from a vendor under the Ethics Act. He also addresses conflicts of interest concerning audit, litigation and collection questions, as well as contract negotiations and bidding concerns.
The Commission salutes Mark and the other agency Ethics Officers for their hard work and dedication to improving the ethical climate in the State of Illinois.