The Gazette’s Statehouse reporter, Ed Sealover, reports the state’s attorney general/author is at it again.    John Suthers has released a 192-page examination of the criminal justice system called, “No Higher Calling, No Greater Responsibility: A Prosecutor Makes His Case.” Published as part of Fulcrum’s Speaker’s Corner series, it’s the Colorado Springs resident’s fifth book, following a tome on white-collar crime and histories of the offices he’s overseen: 4th Judicial District Attorney, U.S. attorney and attorney general.    In the book, which took five years to write, Suthers focuses on a prosecutor’s role and opines on such issues as the death penalty, war on drugs and increasing federalization of crime.    “I don’t see this as something just for lawyers. It helps laymen understand the system,” he said.    To learn more, attend Suthers’ book signing from 1 to 3 p.m. today at Borders, 2120 Southgate Road.    ——On Wednesday, Mayor Lionel Rivera filed an amended disclosure report containing the $800 airfare and 1,260 euro ($1,959) four-night stay at France’s Regina Hotel during his December tour of privately owned water and sewer systems.    The French government paid the freight. Initially, Rivera didn’t see the trip as something he needed to report, so he didn’t. After conferring with legal counsel, though, Rivera changed his mind.    What’s a conflict?    The city’s ethics code bars conflicts of interest, including those matters in which they or a member of their family has a direct or indirect substantial financial interest. If such an interest exists, the member should make it known and refrain from participating.    On Monday, the City Council heard about El Paso County’s sales tax proposal that, if approved by voters, would pump $14.5 million into the county’s Health Department, Councilwoman Margaret Radford’s employer.    Despite what one might assume would be her personal interest in the department’s financial stability, Radford praised the tax measure, saying it’s based on “needs, not wants,” and that a sales tax is “the only fair and just tax.”    Radford said she’s decided not to cast a vote, although none is necessary, because county commissioners, not the council, will place it on the Nov. 4 ballot.    “As a citizen I will support it. I’m not going to lie to you,” she said. “I have a duty as a city official and I have a duty as an employee of an agency that receives some county funding to abide by the law, and I have rights as a citizen, and I’m trying to figure out where the lines are drawn.”    She didn’t know if the ethics code, which also bars taking part in “any activity that may create . . . the appearance of impropriety,” would keep her from hyping the tax as a council member.    CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0238 or pam.zubeck@gazette.com 

Adam Brickley launched his blog in February 2007, before primary season had begun, promoting Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as a running mate. Brickley wants to eventually move to Washington. Above, his mother, Julie, fed the goats grain at their Peyton farm. Photo by (CAROL LAWRENCE, THE GAZETTE)