Civic Ethics Alliance

A supporter, with GREAT knowledge of government operations, submitted the following…

“There’s a component that needs to be added to the Republic Project. I call it a “Government Ethics Audit”

“Every one of these I’ve done has shown immense government DIRT and a LACK OF ETHICS. When I announced to a Mayor that a privately funded Ethics audit of his administration is underway, he essentially needed a diaper change, if you know what I mean. Just knowing they are being carefully watched and investigated makes them mess their pants. The notion of being Audited REALLY changes behavior just by taking the time (with expertise) to look under the hood.”

I thought… that is a brilliant and high-impact addition, both strategically and psychologically. The following document is over 120 pages, produced in 6 hours, an entirely new arm of the project, and it came from a single idea brought forward by someone who was willing to back his words with action. The Civic Ethics Alliance is just one example of what’s possible when smart people step up, speak up, and take action.

Much of it is redacted for strategic and security purposes, but the full version can be accessed by signing the NDA and joining us as a committed volunteer, staff member, expert or strategic advisor, a leader, Board of Director member, or pledge financial support at founding levels. Tier 2 gives you access to the full 200+ page granular internal documentation containing operational architecture, investigative frameworks, and scoring methods. Tier 2 is where momentum meets meaning.

Things are moving fast and Utah isn’t going to fix itself. The time for thinkers has passed. It’s time for movers

This same structure can be used for a Citizen’s Audit of Voter Rolls with the goal of verify the accuracy, legality, and integrity of voter registration databases at the county and state level, ensuring that voter rolls are free from fraud, bloat, ineligible registrations, or procedural misconduct. Anyone interested?

By the way…. that supporter, Travis M. Seegmiller, J.D., now heads up the Civic Ethics Alliance. Thank you Travis.

We’ll be posting the full breakdown soon for those who’ve signed the NDA and committed your involvement.

Thanks for looking, Ed Wallace – Founder of the Republic Project
Here’s the write-up that introduces the Government Ethics Audit:

Civic Ethics Alliance – Official Landing Page

“We track every dollar. We expose every lie. We reform every system we touch.”

Comprehensive Table of Contents with Section Summaries

This doc now serves as the central spine of our audit system. We can build out from here.

Government Ethics Audits

Investigating the Unethical. Empowering the Ethical. One Audit at a Time

One of the most effective ways to hold public officials accountable is also the simplest: let them know they’re being watched, not by the media, not by party insiders, but by an independent, citizen-led ethics audit team with no ties to the political establishment.
The Republic Project will offer targeted Government Ethics Audits at the city, county, and state levels, deploying legal, investigative, and forensic research professionals to review records, analyze contracts, expose conflicts of interest, and evaluate the ethical behavior of elected and appointed officials. These audits will be independent, transparent, and released to the public.

But the real power is psychological. As one former lawmaker put it:

“When a mayor hears there’s a private ethics audit underway, they essentially need a diaper change.”

Knowing that a community is funding an ethics audit, and that professionals are digging into what AI can’t yet expose, is often enough to alter behavior, stall shady deals, or send corrupt officials scrambling.

These audits are not just oversight tools… they’re deterrents. They change conduct before a single word is published.

🔹 Key Benefits:

• Highly targeted and community-driven
• Triggers behavior change in real time
• Uncovers what automation or legislation tracking might miss
• Provides citizen-led accountability in small towns and major cities
• Creates a new revenue stream for The Republic Project through mission-aligned services
• Concerned citizens, whistleblowers, and local coalitions will be able to commission audits directly through the Project, bringing professional-grade investigative muscle to bear where traditional institutions have failed.

I. Overview & Mission

Purpose: The philosophical, constitutional, and moral foundation for the Civic Ethics Alliance™ and The Republic Project.
Includes: Mission statements, core values, background, FAQ’s and public purpose language.
Audience: Everyone: donors, media, team members, the public
Key Question: “What are we fighting for, and why does it matter?”

Includes:

• The mission and core purpose: Restoring ethical governance through truth, accountability, and transparency
• Foundational beliefs: original intent of the Constitution, proper role of government, civic duty
• Explanation of how CEA fits under The Republic Project nonprofit (mission arm) and Republic Stratagems, LLC (execution arm)
• Taglines and identity phrases (e.g., “Investigating the Unethical. Empowering the Ethical.”)
• Tone setting for public trust: nonpartisan, principled, citizen-led

Introduction

Purpose of Document:

The Civic Ethics Alliance™ was created as a nonpartisan investigative initiative under The Republic Project. It serves as a public-facing watchdog to expose unethical behavior and constitutional violations in local government, using proactive audits as its core accountability tool.

Credited Founder:

Travis M. Seegmiller – Former Utah State Representative, Audit Committee Member.
Travis proposed the core concept of the Civic Ethics Alliance and within six hours, the initiative was named, branded, structured, and integrated into The Republic Project. His legal background, legislative experience, and unmatched knowledge of government operations made him the natural choice to lead the project. He now serves as its Coordinator and legal strategist.
Original vision of the Civic Ethics Alliance™
Public trust, oversight goals, nonpartisan watchdog framing
Core messaging: “Expose. Pressure. Reform.”

I. Overview & Mission

The Civic Ethics Alliance™ is a project of The Republic Project, a nonprofit initiative dedicated to exposing unethical government behavior and restoring public trust through constitutional oversight. Our mission is simple: shine light on corruption, abuse, and influence — and empower citizens with tools to hold power accountable.

II. What We Do

• We commission independent audits into government operations at the local and state levels. These audits reveal:
• Conflicts of interest
• Lobbyist influence
• Misuse of taxpayer funds
• Media manipulation

All findings are documented, sourced, and delivered in public briefings and reports — often in partnership with watchdogs, journalists, and citizen groups.

III. How It Works

• The Republic Project (nonprofit) commissions an audit.
• Republic Stratagems (LLC) executes the investigation.
• All team members are bound by confidentiality and legal protections.
• Final reports are returned to the nonprofit for publication.

This structure ensures:

• Legal separation and protection
• Transparent use of donations
• Clear, unbiased findings

IV. Who We Are

Our team includes:

• Investigative journalists
• Forensic analysts
• Legal experts
• Civic data engineers
• Media integrity researchers (MAGIC Team)

Together, we combine decades of experience with next-generation tools to defend liberty and challenge corruption.

V. Public Impact

Our audits help:

• Remove unethical officials
• Reform broken systems
• Protect citizen rights
• Educate the public
• Inspire legal and legislative action

We are not just observers — we are builders of accountability.

VI. Join the Movement

You can support the cause in three ways:

• Donate: Fund a local ethics audit or investigative series.
• Collaborate: Submit tips, join as a local partner, or sponsor a project.
• Share: Help us expand the message by sharing our reports.

Visit Republicstratagems.com

To ensure integrity and security during this pre-rollout phase, The Republic Project uses a two-tiered confidentiality system. The password for Tier 1 protected pages is: repro

Civic Ethics Alliance™
A project of The Republic Project (501c3 nonprofit)
Defending the Republic with Oversight, Accountability, and Action.

II. Ethics Audit Concept & Strategic Overview

Purpose: Explain what an “ethics audit” actually is, not just in theory, but in practice, why it matters, and how it s different from traditional government oversight or journalism, and strategically advances systemic reform. Includes: Audit types (fiscal, legal, zoning, etc.), investigative methodology, target categories, and system-wide reform strategy. Audience: Internal strategy team, funders, grantors, external watchdogs
Key Question: “What exactly do we do and how does it create impact?”

Includes:

• The working definition of a Government Ethics Audit (investigative review of public behavior, funding, influence, and impact)
• Types of audits: zoning manipulation, fiscal abuse, education steering, election vulnerabilities, media influence
• How CEA audits differ from journalism, internal compliance reviews, or IG reports
• Strategic value of public-facing audits: deterrence, exposure, reform pressure, and civic empowerment
• How audits build momentum for broader change (scorecards, policy shifts, watchdog coordination)

Core Audit Documents

What is a Government Ethics Audit?

A Government Ethics Audit is a private, independent investigation into the ethical and procedural conduct of public officials and government entities. These audits assess alignment with constitutional principles, transparency standards, fiscal responsibility, and conflicts of interest. Unlike internal or state-sanctioned audits, these efforts are executed without political interference and made available to the public.

The presence of an audit itself creates psychological pressure and behavioral deterrents, encouraging ethical governance simply by being underway.

Audits result in formal reports, scoring metrics, and, where warranted, recommendations for public, legal, or journalistic follow-up.

Core Audit Focus Areas

• Financial Misuse of public funds and unbalanced budgeting
• Budget manipulation and debt schemes
• Curriculum steering and federal pass-through grants
• Zoning and land-use manipulation or development corruption
• Regulatory abuse and zoning conflicts
• Undisclosed conflicts of interest
• Personnel cronyism or administrative abuse
• Media influence, coordination, narrative control, or propaganda designed to suppress public dissent

What’s included in an audit

Civic Ethics Commission: Government Ethics Audit Overview

Our Ethics Audits are designed to provide clear, factual, and actionable insight into local and state government operations. Whether initiated by civic organizations or local governments, these audits help restore trust and reinforce ethical governance.

What’s Included:

1. Financial Oversight Review
   Budgetary process transparency
   Grant and contract disbursement audit
   Procurement integrity
   Misuse of public funds or self-dealing risks
2. Regulatory Fairness Analysis
   Are laws and regulations applied fairly?
   Favoritism or manipulation in permitting, zoning, or development decisions
3. Conflict of Interest Evaluation
   Mapping relationships between elected officials, donors, contractors
   Reviewing disclosures and recusal compliance
4. Public Records & Transparency Compliance
   Email, meeting minutes, and internal memos analyzed for undisclosed activities
   GRAMA/FOIA request transparency audit
5. Administrative Integrity Check
   Hiring practices, political favoritism, or undue influence
   Internal whistleblower protections

Outcome:

• Detailed Report with Documentation
• Clear Action Items & Recommendations
• Optional Public-Facing Summary for awareness or publication
• Follow-up consultation with officials or legal teams

Who Commissions Ethics Audits?

✔ Citizen Coalitions
✔ Local Governments (as internal review)
✔ Watchdog Groups
✔ Legal Teams or Advocacy Partners

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE: Building a Local Government Ethics Audit System

Exposing Corruption. Changing Behavior. Restoring Trust.

This is how we turn raw public data into systematic evidence of unethical or corrupt behavior, and how to integrate MAGIC (media analysis) into the civic audit process.

STEP 1: Collect & Centralize the Data (Database Foundation)

What to Collect: Protected

Tools Needed: Protected

STEP 2: Normalize & Structure the Data

• Core Tables (Manually or via Script):
• People: Name, Role, Dept, Conflicts, Affiliations
• Votes: Who voted, on what, how, who sponsored
• Issues/Topics: Ordinances, developments, expenditures
• Entities: Developers, vendors, donors, business connections
• Media Entries: Articles, headlines, sentiment score

This gives us a living matrix of interactions and influence.

STEP 3: Analyze for Patterns (Weeding Out Corruption)

Red Flag Triggers (can be automated later):

Pattern:

• Possible Interpretation: Councilor votes for contracts involving affiliated developer
• Conflict of interest: Zoning board approves repeated variances for same entity
• Collusion or favoritism :Large funds redirected from core services to PR or consultants
• Propaganda or self-dealing :Absences during controversial votes
• Tactical avoidance: Vendor receives contract without bid, Cronyism

Tools: Protected

STEP 4: Integrate MAGIC (Media Analysis for Government Influence & Collusion)

This is where The Republic Project’s platform can start running like an intelligence-grade machine.

MAGIC = Media Analysis of Government Influence & Collusion

What to Track:

• City Propaganda: Press releases, media partnerships, mayor’s blog
• News Articles: Are stories favorable to certain leaders or projects?
• Public Polls or Surveys: Who runs them? Are they pushed through media or city channels?
• Editorial Bias: Are outlets editorializing in favor of zoning changes or budgets?

Analysis Actions:

• Score each media item on:
• Tone (Positive/Neutral/Negative)
• Target (Mayor, Council, Zoning)
• Purpose (Justification, diversion, attack)
• Cross-match dates of articles with votes or public backlash

This reveals when propaganda is being used to manufacture consent.

STEP 5: Confirm & Prepare the Evidence (Ethics Dossier)

Once we’ve surfaced a red flag:

• Pull all supporting documents (votes, contracts, media, bios)
• Generate a summary timeline

Score it on:

• Constitutional violation
• Ethical breach
• Process failure
• Cost impact
• Optional: Run it through the Civic Ethics Scoring Rubric (we can create one)

STEP 6: What To Do With the Findings

Mission-Based (Nonprofit) Actions:

• Publish a Civic Ethics Audit Report
• Submit findings to ethics commissions, auditors, or AG’s office
• Notify local journalists (selective press drip)
• Share with citizens groups, watchdogs, and public forums

Strategic (For-Profit or Coordinated Ops):

Use findings to:

• Pressure reform
• Block a contract or initiative
• Expose corruption in a targeted media blitz

Public Audit Pathway

Below is a step-by-step Civic Ethics Audit Pathway tailored for cities like St. George, Utah.

Protected
Here’s a strategic and highly actionable outline for a Pilot Ethics Audit designed as a first strike to demonstrate the power, value, and public impact of the Civic Ethics Commission. This can launch publicly

Pilot Audit Outline: “Operation Broken Halo”

Focus Area: Local Government Ethics & Development Decisions
Target Type: Medium-size Utah city with recent zoning, grant, or development activity (we likely know the right target)

Objective:

Conduct a high-impact, publicly visible ethics audit of a single municipality — exposing:

• Conflicts of interest in land use or contracts
• Hidden donors or ties between elected officials and developers
• Misuse of regulatory power
• Manipulated public input processes
• Shady PR narratives or suppressed dissent

Phased Plan:

Phase 1: Research & Public Records Requests (Weeks 1–2)

• Select target municipality
• Draft and submit GRAMA requests for:
• Emails between council members and developers/contractors
• Zoning decisions, bid awards, and economic development memos
• Records of “community engagement” sessions
• Scrape campaign finance reports for land-use related donors

Phase 2: Analysis & Mapping (Weeks 3–4)

• Map relationships between elected officials, donors, consultants, and contracts
• Use AI tools to identify email keywords: “donor,” “accelerate,” “keep quiet,” “let’s push this,” etc.
• Run ethics scoring checklist: disclosure gaps, recusals ignored, rushed hearings, etc.

Phase 3: Drafting the Report (Week 5)

• Write internal report with documentation
• Prepare optional public summary:
• “City Audit Reveals Ethics Gaps in Land-Use Process”
• Include charts of financial flows, timelines, and conflicts

Phase 4: Strategic Release & Engagement (Week 6)

• Send embargoed report to press, partners, and electeds
• Host online or in-person release with slides & narrative
• Offer corrective recommendations: disclosure policy, audit committee, term limits, etc.
• Create public pressure by tying to transparency, spending, and voter trust

Post-Audit Follow-Up:

• Monitor city’s response or retaliation
• Engage citizens and media on findings
• Offer audit services to neighboring towns or counties
• Publicly brand it as part of the Ethics Integrity Initiative of The Republic Project

Why This Works as a Pilot:

• Easy to document
• High likelihood of discovering wrongdoing
• Can scale this exact model statewide or nationally
• Generates press, allies, and paid audit inquiries

Based on St. George’s FY 2024–2025 adopted budget and a population of approximately 110,270, a preliminary ethics audit can be effectively conducted with a lean, skilled team. Below is a breakdown of recommended roles, estimated hours, and hourly rates:

Coordinator / Project Lead
Role: Oversee audit scope, manage team, ensure timely delivery.
Estimated Hours: 40–60 hours
Hourly Rate:
Total Cost:

Research Assistant(s)
Role: Gather and organize public records, council minutes, zoning decisions.
Estimated Hours: 80–120 hours
Hourly Rate:
Total Cost

Forensic Financial Analyst
Role: Analyze budgets, contracts, and financial statements for anomalies.
Estimated Hours: 50–70 hours
Hourly Rate:
Total Cost

Data Analyst / Python Developer
Role: Automate data extraction, perform pattern recognition, and develop analytical tools.
Estimated Hours: 60–80 hours
Hourly Rate:
Total Cost:

MAGIC Analyst (Media Analysis)
Role: Evaluate media coverage, identify biases, and correlate with city actions.
Estimated Hours: 30–50 hours
Hourly Rate:
Total Cost

Estimated Cost:

Note: These estimates are based on industry standards and can vary depending on specific project requirements and personnel experience.
Sample Report (Clearbrook)

Here’s a fictionalized Sample Audit Report, designed to feel professional, damning (if warranted), and actionable, while keeping it clear enough for the public and compelling enough for stakeholders and funders.

Civic Ethics Alliance™
Independent Government Ethics Audit
Clearbrook, Utah (Fictional Example)
Audit Period: Jan 2022 – Dec 2023
Prepared By: Republic Stratagems, LLC
Report Issued: [May 2025]

Executive Summary:

This Ethics Audit was conducted at the request of a coalition of Clearbrook residents seeking greater transparency and accountability in local governance. Over 60 days, our investigative and analytical team reviewed financial records, procurement practices, land use decisions, campaign finance reports, and media narratives.

Key Findings:

Improper Procurement: $1.2 million in no-bid contracts awarded to businesses linked to the Mayor’s brother-in-law.
Suppressed Dissent: Two city employees reporting ethical violations were terminated within 30 days.
Public Engagement Obstruction: Evidence shows the city knowingly withheld critical zoning data from public comment sessions.
Developer Collusion: A high-profile housing development received fast-tracked approval after bundled campaign contributions were made to three City Council members.
Media Bias: The primary local outlet received $20,000 in “community partnership” payments from the city and failed to disclose conflicts in its reporting.

Ethics Scoring Overview (Civic Ethics Alliance Model):
Category
Score (0–10)
Assessment
Transparency
3.5
Inadequate
Procurement Integrity
2.0
High-Risk
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
4.0
Insufficient
Campaign Finance Transparency
2.5
Concerning
Whistleblower Protections
1.0
Failed
Public Engagement Practices
4.5
Poor
Media Neutrality / Influence
3.0
Compromised

Overall Ethics Score: 2.9 / 10
🟥 “Compromised — High Risk of Corruption”

Detailed Findings & Evidence:

1. Contract Awards
   6 of 11 city contracts >$100,000 lacked competitive bidding documentation.
   The Parks & Recreation redevelopment contract ($480k) was awarded to “Western Civic Builders,” whose CFO is the Mayor’s brother-in-law. No conflict was disclosed.
2. Personnel Practices
   Former City Planner and Clerk of Records both terminated after internal memos revealed zoning violations and document tampering.
3. Land Use & Development
   Zoning map revisions dated June 2023 were never released to the public prior to the “Clearview Heights” approval.
   Email logs show coordination between developer reps and Planning Board Chair two weeks before the public was notified.
4. Campaign Finance
   $27,000 in bundled donations to 3 council members from LLCs sharing a registered agent with Clearview Heights Holdings, LLC.
   Disclosure reports filed 3 days past deadline; no penalties.
5. Media Manipulation
   Clearbrook Daily News received “public education partnership” funds from the City in FY2023 totaling $20,000.
   No disclosures were made on 14 positive stories about the Clearview Heights project.

Recommendations:

Internal Reforms:

Establish independent procurement oversight committee.
Create formal whistleblower protection ordinance.
Require all conflict of interest disclosures to be public and indexed.

External Transparency:

Publish all contracts >$50,000 in a public-facing repository.
Mandate city-paid PR/media funding be disclosed clearly on content.

Further Investigations Recommended:

Utah State Auditor referral for potential campaign finance violations.
Internal HR audit on recent terminations for retaliatory practices.
Independent media ethics review with ombudsman accountability.

Who Commissioned This Audit?

This audit was commissioned by a coalition of 22 Clearbrook residents and business owners who pooled funds to hire the Civic Ethics Alliance™, a project operated by Republic Stratagems, LLC, to evaluate their city government’s ethical integrity.

About Civic Ethics Alliance™

The Civic Ethics Alliance is a citizen-powered government oversight initiative offering nonpartisan, investigative ethics audits for municipalities, school boards, and public institutions.

We believe public service should mean public trust.

Inquiries: [ethics@republicstratagems.com]
republicstratagems.com/ethics-audit

Top Utah Targets Watchlist

Proposed Use:

This Target Watchlist is intended for:
Internal audit team planning
Donor briefings and priority alignment
Public education and media strategy

Here are 12 government entities, policies, or practices, primarily from Utah, that warrant public spotlight or independent ethics audits based on red flags, known controversy, or public concern:

Utah-Based Audit Targets

Utah Inland Port Authority

Issue: Backroom land deals, tax breaks for private developers, lack of transparency
Why Audit: Cross-agency coordination, zoning manipulation, environmental cover-ups
Why #1: Billion-dollar backdoor deals, state-level override of local powers, environmental impact, and media suppression. This is Utah’s poster child for opaque public-private manipulation.
Concern: Backroom deals, developer favoritism, lack of environmental review
Audit Focus: Land use contracts, tax increment financing, legislative override

Point of the Mountain State Land Development Authority (POMSDA)

Issue: Billion-dollar tech and housing district being developed with little public input
Why Audit: Oversight of bonded debt, developer relationships, hidden subsidies
Why #1: Oversight of one of the most expensive land transitions in state history. Potential goldmine for exposing sweetheart deals and zoning rewrites.
Concern: Zoning control transfer, billion-dollar land assets, insider coordination
Audit Focus: Land valuations, developer affiliations, legislative conflicts

Utah’s Office of the Attorney General

Issue: Allegations of political influence and legal threats against whistleblowers
Why Audit: Legal power abuse, misuse of public resources, conflict of interest
Why #1: Alleged weaponization of legal power against whistleblowers and citizens. Involves civil rights concerns, prosecutorial ethics, and executive overreach.
Concern: Alleged intimidation of whistleblowers and misuse of power
Audit Focus: Internal legal memos, case handling bias, political influence in enforcement

Utah Housing Corporation / State Housing Grants

Issue: Large sums funneled through poorly audited housing pipelines
Why Audit: Developer favoritism, pass-through orgs, grant opacity
Why #1: Affordable housing is a hot-button issue. Any exposure of developer favoritism, waste, or funneling would resonate statewide.
Concern: Grant pass-throughs, opaque allocations, insider deals
Audit Focus: Beneficiary analysis, developer ties, funding overlaps

Zion’s Bank and Government Collusion Allegations

Issue: Key executives allegedly influencing bond deals and legislative direction
Why Audit: Public–private influence matrix, revolving doors, financial manipulation
Why #1: This would unmask Utah’s true oligarchic engine: corporate influence over legislation, bond issuance, and media steering.
Concern: Private bank’s undue influence on public bond deals
Audit Focus: Campaign donations, bond structuring, regulatory conflicts

Wasatch Front Regional Council / UDOT Transit Alignment Decisions

Issue: Questions about selection of expensive mass transit corridors & funding models
Why Audit: Project justification, property grabs, hidden development incentives
Why #1: Billions in infrastructure dollars, land grabs, and transit that doesn’t serve the public but enriches stakeholders.
Concern: Questionable route planning, land speculation, taxpayer waste
1Audit Focus: EIS reports, meeting transcripts, property ownership shifts

Unified Fire Authority (Salt Lake County)

Issue: History of spending abuses, inflated pensions, insider favoritism
Why Audit: Pension manipulation, hiring nepotism, transparency lapses
Why #1: Known pension and spending abuse cases — would be easy to reignite public interest and demand reform. Concern: Inflated pensions, prior spending scandals
Audit Focus: Pension formulas, procurement, travel and HR records

Statewide Elected School Boards / Utah State Board of Education (USBE)

Issue: Ideological manipulation of education, grant funding paths, curriculum control
Why Audit: Influence mapping, federal-to-state pass-through dollars, bias concerns
Why #1: More ideological than financial, but still powerful. Could expose curriculum rigging, federal compliance funding misuse.
Concern: Political bias, hidden curriculum pathways, funding opacity
Audit Focus: Federal pass-throughs, consultant contracts, grant recipients

Utah Legislature “Interim Committee” Practices

Issue: Decisions made quietly in off-season sessions with little media coverage
Why Audit: Quorum tricks, placeholder bills, industry steering
Why #1: Quiet manipulation of public policy, pre-session deals, and lack of public scrutiny. Potential for procedural scandal.
Concern: Pre-legislative steering with limited public oversight
Audit Focus: Interim minutes, early bill drafting, industry-influenced testimony

Municipal Broadband Expansion Projects (e.g., UTOPIA Fiber)

Issue: Local debt incurred for unprofitable broadband systems
Why Audit: Bond structure, vendor selection, long-term liability
Why #1: Financially risky, tax-heavy, and ripe for exposing misleading cost claims or vendor favoritism.
Concern: Public debt for underperforming service expansions
Audit Focus: Bond terms, vendor contracts, service metrics

County Clerks/Election Offices – Chain of Custody Procedures

Issue: Lack of audit trails, public concern over ballot handling
Why Audit: Vendor contracts, procedure inconsistencies, public transparency
Why #12: Public concern is high, but actual fraud is rare. Still, a clean audit here could build trust or expose vulnerabilities.
Concern: Public distrust in ballot security
Audit Focus: Chain of custody logs, vendor security, access policies

Salt Lake City Housing/Zoning Appeals Board

Issue: Variance grants to select developers amid neighborhood opposition
Why Audit: Appeals process fairness, insider deals, conflict disclosures
Why #1: Localized power abuses that affect everyday citizens. Limited in scope, but highly emotional if mishandled variances are exposed.
Concern: Development variances granted over public objection
Audit Focus: Meeting decisions, board member disclosures, appeal overturn rates

Here’s the ranked list of 12 Utah-based entities or policies, ordered by potential public impact and likelihood of controversy, based on scale, power, funding, and potential for uncovering collusion or corruption:

TOP PRIORITY TARGETS (High Impact + High Controversy)

• Utah Inland Port Authority
• Utah Attorney General’s Office
• Point of the Mountain State Land Development Authority (POMSDA)
• Zion’s Bank / State Finance Influence Matrix

SECOND TIER – TARGETED AUDITS WITH PUBLIC RESONANCE

• State Housing Grants / Utah Housing Corporation
• Wasatch Front Regional Council / UDOT Transit Alignments
• Utah Legislature Interim Committees

THIRD TIER – LOCALIZED, HIGHLY FOCUSED AUDITS

• Municipal Broadband / UTOPIA Fiber
• Salt Lake City Housing & Zoning Appeals Board
• USBE / State Education Board
• County Election Offices (Chain of Custody Focus)

Civic Ethics Alliance™ – Target Watchlist
Priority Targets for Oversight, Ethics Audits, and Public Transparency in Utah

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s a clear, direct FAQ language to explain that the Civic Ethics Alliance™ is a citizen-led, transparency-focused consulting service and is not connected to the nonprofit (unless explicitly stated):

About the Civic Ethics Alliance™

Is this a government agency or official oversight board?

No. The Civic Ethics Alliance™ is an independent, citizen-led ethics consulting initiative. We are not affiliated with any government agency, political party, or enforcement body. Our mission is to restore accountability through independent audits and data-driven investigations.

Is this part of a nonprofit organization?

Not at this time. While we share values with nonprofit watchdog groups, this service is offered through Republic Stratagems, a consulting and civic innovation firm. It is designed to be agile, scalable, and sustainable—without the red tape or limitations often placed on nonprofit organizations.

Who can request an audit?

Anyone. Concerned citizens, coalitions, candidates, journalists, donor groups, or even internal reformers within government can request an ethics audit. You do not need political connections or nonprofit backing—just a legitimate concern and a desire for the truth.

How is this different from typical watchdog groups?

Most watchdogs report on what’s already public. We dig deeper.
Our audits use investigative methods, public records laws, AI-enhanced analysis, and insider research to uncover what isn’t being said—and we deliver clear, documented findings designed to spark reform or public accountability.

Is this legal? Will this get us sued?

We operate within the law—always. Every audit is based on public data, legally obtained documents, and fact-based analysis. While some officials may feel uncomfortable being exposed, we welcome scrutiny and stand by our work.

Can this be used for campaigns or ballot initiatives?

Yes—audits can provide powerful support for reform-minded efforts. However, we do not conduct opposition research or partisan campaign work. Our findings speak for themselves.

How do I fund or support an audit?

You can hire us directly, sponsor an audit for your community, or refer others to us. In select cases, we may offer sliding scale support or seek grant funding from aligned allies.

Our Mission

The Civic Ethics Alliance™ (CEA) is a public interest initiative under The Republic Project that conducts independent government ethics audits, exposes abuse of power, and restores transparency in local, county, and state governments across America — beginning in Utah.

We uncover what others ignore: hidden relationships, unjustified spending, and structural manipulation that harms taxpayers, families, and honest public servants.

III. Structure (Execution Model)

Purpose: Explain how the project functions as a system, from the top down and how the nonprofit and LLC interact structurally and legally to commission, execute, and protect audits.
Includes: Entity flow, legal contracting logic, fund flow diagrams, privilege protections.
Audience: III is for lawyers, board members, and funders
In short: It’s our governance, structural logic, and compliance engine
Think: “Who does what, at what level, under what entity?”
PROTECTED

Public-Facing Summary Line:
The Republic Project commissions civic audits through our strategic partner, Republic Stratagems, LLC, an independent operations firm staffed with legal and policy professionals ensuring mission integrity, legal protection, and public accountability. Donations support mission-aligned audits and investigations, 100% of which are directed toward delivering constitutional oversight and transparency to the public.”

IV. Financial Governance

Purpose: Explain, document, and ensure legal, ethical, and transparent and distributed handling of all incoming and outgoing funds across the nonprofit (The Republic Project) and the LLC (Republic Stratagems), while preserving IRS compliance and public trust. Includes: Pricing models, Invoicing structure, pass-through logic, no-profit-backflow rules, nonprofit vs. LLC payment systems. Audience: Donors, legal counsel, board members, fiscal sponsors, grant providers
Key Question: “How is the money handled and how do we prove we’re above board?”
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V. Strategic Partnerships & Network

Purpose: Outline external engagement with watchdogs, nonprofits, legal allies, and national audit partners. Includes: Recruitment language, onboarding steps, vetting criteria, benefits to joining the Strategic Audit Network. Audience: Partners, coalitions, external investigators, thought leaders
Key Question: “Who are we working with outside of our team?”

Includes:

Audit Network partners (state watchdogs, citizen journalists, legal allies)

• Outreach materials (invitation emails, one-pagers, landing page copy)
• Collaboration policies and expectations
• Shared resources (data templates, best practices)
• Vetting process and NDAs for strategic allies

Audit services offered to:

• Citizen groups
• Reform candidates
• Watchdog orgs
• Donors or PACs
• Strategic partner pitch deck structure
• National expansion play (State-level watchdogs)
• Pricing tiers based on city size/budget

Strategic Audit Network

Building a Nationwide Alliance for Government Accountability

CEA is building a nationwide coalition of watchdogs, citizen investigators, legal scholars, and nonprofit allies.

Join the Strategic Audit Network if you:

File FOIAs, track legislative corruption, or conduct data analysis
Want to collaborate on city/county ethics reviews
Have tools, frameworks, or investigative leads to share

What Is the Audit Network?

The Audit Network is a growing coalition of state-level watchdogs, citizen investigators, legal analysts, media truth-tellers, and public interest researchers committed to restoring ethical governance across America.

Led by The Republic Project and its execution partner Republic Stratagems, LLC, the Audit Network invites strategic partners to collaborate on government ethics audits, investigative campaigns, and public integrity initiatives.

Together, we share tools, resources, and reporting models to help expose:

• Misuse of public funds
• Conflict-riddled development deals
• Zoning corruption
• Election manipulation
• Collusion between government and media

Who Can Join?

We welcome partnerships with:

• State-based watchdog organizations
• Legislative oversight groups
• Whistleblower platforms
• Investigative journalism centers
• Constitutional policy nonprofits
• Ethics-oriented legal firms

Whether you’re running FOIA requests, analyzing campaign finances, or documenting city council abuse, you belong in this network.

What We Offer Partners:

• Access to audit frameworks and rating rubrics
• Data collection templates and legal contract samples
• Media coordination on findings
• Opportunities to co-sponsor national investigations
• Referrals for legal support, forensic analysis, or funding alignment

Our goal is to empower your work, not control it. Each partner keeps full independence.

How to Join:

Use our contact form, or email us at [Insert Contact Email] with:

Your organization’s name
Area of focus or specialty
A link to your work (if applicable)

We’ll follow up with an onboarding invite and discussion of shared goals.

This isn’t just a coalition. It’s an action network. The truth has allies — and they’re organized.

How It Works

Audits are commissioned through The Republic Project (nonprofit) and executed by Republic Stratagems, LLC
Independent professionals including former lawmakers, legal scholars, researchers, and investigators conduct each audit
Final reports are published for the public, with media coordination and legal oversight

All audits follow a transparent, conflict-free framework that protects whistleblowers, privileges legal findings, and delivers clean, documented evidence of systemic problems.

Discreet. Independent. Constitutionally Grounded.
To schedule a consultation or request a quote, visit [website] or contact [email].

Here is a professional pricing sheet template we can customize and present to future clients (governments, citizen coalitions, or nonprofits) for the Civic Ethics Commission Ethics Audits.

Ethics Audit Pricing Sheet – Civic Ethics Alliance – PROTECTED

Flexible Discounts & Partnerships
Citizen Groups & Grassroots Coalitions: Ask about sliding scale pricing or pro bono pilots
Repeat Clients / Regional Packages: Multi-city or county contracts are eligible for discount
Referral Program: Receive 10% referral bonus toward your own audit or organizational support

Included in All Audits:

✔ Expert Investigative Team
✔ Public Records Research & Analysis
✔ Relationship & Conflict Mapping
✔ Scoring Framework for Ethical Compliance
✔ Secure, Confidential Handling of All Submissions

Ready for a Quote or Consultation?

Email: [@example.com]
Website: [www.republicstratagems.com/ethics]
Phone: [555-555-5555]
Or schedule directly: [Calendly/LinkHere]

Outreach Email

Subject: Let’s Connect Our Watchdog Work — Strategic Audit Partnership Invitation – PROTECTED

Partner Pitch Deck

A Partner Pitch Deck is a concise, visually polished presentation (usually 6–10 slides) designed to introduce and persuade potential collaborators, funders, or endorsers to partner with your initiative. In this case, it would promote the Civic Ethics Commission and the Government Ethics Audit service as:

A consulting tool available to citizen groups, advocacy coalitions, or government agencies
A public-interest watchdog partnership opportunity
A potential revenue-sharing engagement for nonprofit allies or aligned attorneys/investigators

Here’s what a Civic Ethics Commission Pitch Deck could include:

Slide 1: Title & Tagline
“The Civic Ethics Commission: Auditing the Integrity of Government”
Subtitle: Exposing Corruption. Restoring Trust. Empowering Citizens.
Slide 2: The Problem
Local governments operate with little oversight
Ethics violations often go undetected or unpunished
Citizens feel powerless and uninformed
Slide 3: The Solution
Professional, nonpartisan Ethics Audits
Data-driven investigations + actionable findings
Public reports, press strategies, internal reviews
Slide 4: What’s Included
(Summarize 5 key categories: financial, regulatory, transparency, conflict of interest, administrative)
Slide 5: Results That Matter
Case studies or examples (anonymized)
Testimonials or projected outcomes: restored trust, exposed fraud, policy reform
Slide 6: How We Work
Commissioned by citizen coalitions, attorneys, or public officials
Professional team of researchers, legal advisors, policy experts
Turnkey process from intake to report delivery
Slide 7: Strategic Benefits
Position your group as a community watchdog
Strengthen lawsuits or reform efforts
Public credibility and media coverage
Slide 8: Partnership Opportunities
Join as a referral partner or advisory affiliate
Co-brand audits for your organization
Revenue-sharing available for contracted audits
Slide 9: Let’s Talk
Direct contact info

Watchdog List – PROTECTED

Here’s the updated list of watchdog organizations, now with websites and estimated contact email addresses in plain text format.

Sample Invoices – PROTECTED

A. Client-Facing Invoice (From Republic Stratagems, LLC)

B. Subcontractor Invoice (To Republic Stratagems, LLC)

VI. Entity & Legal Foundation

Purpose: Define the legal structure and foundational documentation of The Republic Project (nonprofit) and Republic Stratagems, LLC (for-profit execution partner), along with their operational separation and alignment under U.S. nonprofit law and private enterprise statutes. Audience: State of Utah, IRS, lawyers, grant funders, internal board, legal counsel, major funders, strategic partners, and compliance officers. Key Question: “How are we legally formed and protected?”
Includes:
The Republic Project nonprofit incorporation details, Articles of incorporation
Republic Stratagems, LLC registration numbers and purpose
EINs, Utah registrations, 1023 (if applicable), mission statements
Conflict of interest policy, IRS compliance position
Legal mission language, board declarations
PROTECTED

VII. Legal Documents & Templates

Purpose: Serve as the central repository and legal operations toolkit for all audit-related engagements, team agreements, and client relationships. This section houses the boilerplate contracts, agreements, disclaimers, and reusable working templates used across both entities (nonprofit and LLC).
Audience: Legal counsel, leadership, executive staff, contractors, and audit partners.
Key Question: “What language protects us and defines all work relationships?”
Includes:, agreements.
Master Services Agreements and Retainer templates
NDAs (for donors, advisors, partners, researchers)
Audit-specific subcontractor compensation agreements (analysts, assistants)
Contractor Exhibit A templates for Scope of Work
Retainer agreement language
Donor disclaimer & legal fine print for web
PROTECTED

VIII. Client-Facing Framework (Sponsors & Donors)

Purpose: Present a transparent public-friendly system that inspires trust and funding
Includes: Pitch decks, donor letters & briefings, sponsor kits, ethics contractor framework.
Audience: Donors, sponsors, fiscal partners
Key Question: “Why should someone trust us with their money — and how is it used?”
Includes:

• Donor pitch decks & emails
• Audit pricing tiers & value propositions
• Flow diagrams for how funds are used
• Ethics Contractor Framework (internal structure explanation)
• Tier 2 access materials
• Thank-you and follow-up systems

Civic Ethics Alliance™ serves as the public and operational face of the ethics audit initiative and is a truth-based, citizen-powered force for uncovering corruption and restoring ethical governance at every level. Our message: “Expose. Pressure. Reform.” We combines legal expertise, investigative research, financial scrutiny, and independent media tracking. Please refer to section II. Ethics Audit Concept & Strategic Overview section for “What’s Included in a Civic Ethics Audit”, a sample audit, Top Utah Targets, FAQ’s, etc.

Financial Governance Explainer (Internal Summary)

• The Republic Project (nonprofit) receives donations or grants designated for ethics audits.
• The nonprofit contracts Republic Stratagems, LLC to execute the audits.
• Republic Stratagems invoices the nonprofit or clients (depending on engagement type).
• Subcontractors (e.g., law firms, researchers) are paid by Republic Stratagems, maintaining clarity.
• The nonprofit does not directly pay subcontractors or deliver services.

This ensures:

✅ IRS compliance (nonprofit avoids UBIT)
✅ Clean books & audit trails
✅ Donor funds go 100% to mission delivery

Financial Governance Policy (For Board & Donors)

• No direct services are performed by The Republic Project
• All audit execution is routed through Republic Stratagems, LLC
• All contractors work for the LLC, not the nonprofit
• Donor funds are used strictly for public mission audits and passed through to Stratagems
• All disbursements, deliverables, and payments are documented and reviewed
• Pro bono or discounted services are acknowledged separately (no backdoor billing)
• Quarterly review of audit expenditures and subcontractor payments is required

Tier 2 Materials Insert (Explaining Fund Flow)

“Donations made to The Republic Project support our Government Ethics Audit program. The audits themselves are performed by our operations partner, Republic Stratagems, LLC, which hires legal experts and investigators through transparent, pre-approved contracts. This pass-through system protects the nonprofit from IRS compliance issues while ensuring 100% of your donation goes toward public mission delivery — not general overhead or private gain.”

Public-Facing Explanation (For Website or Report Footer)

How Ethics Audits Are Funded & Delivered:
Audits are funded by donor support to The Republic Project and executed by Republic Stratagems, LLC — a mission-aligned operations partner. This two-entity structure ensures full transparency, tax compliance, and clean financial documentation. Legal counsel is retained independently, ensuring confidentiality and protection for every investigation.

Prepared: 2025-05-16
Maintained By: Executive Director, The Republic Project
Finance Contact: [Insert Email]

You’re not just funding a report. You’re launching a high-impact, independent ethics audit with real accountability and public results.

Every dollar you contribute goes directly to investigations that expose government misconduct, deter corruption, and restore constitutional governance.

WHERE YOUR DONATION GOES

Donations to The Republic Project fund mission-driven ethics audits. All audits are executed by our operations partner, Republic Stratagems, LLC, through pre-approved, transparent contracts.

“100% of your gift supports the audit mission. None is lost to overhead or bloated admin.”

This dual-structure model:

• Protects the nonprofit from IRS liability (no private benefit)
• Ensures professional delivery with accountability
• Enables legal privilege through independent counsel
• Documents every dollar spent in full audit trail transparency

WHO DOES THE WORK?

• General Counsel, ethics review, legal privilege
• Audit Analysts & Researchers – Hired under contract for policy, financial, and zoning investigations
• Republic Stratagems, LLC – Coordinates execution and reporting

All contractors submit:

• Conflict of Interest Disclosures
• Signed NDAs
• Transparent billing per audit scope

HOW WE REPORT BACK TO YOU

You receive a donor-exclusive brief on each audit you help fund
Public reports include optional acknowledgment (anonymous upon request)
Quarterly transparency updates and expansion targets

READY TO SPONSOR AN AUDIT?

Contact us to sponsor a local audit or fund a regional initiative.
Let’s clean house — one city at a time.

You can directly fund the next wave of audits. Sponsorship levels include:

• Local Ethics Review –
• County Audit –
• Statewide Systems Audit – Custom pricing

Each sponsor receives exclusive briefings, public acknowledgment (optional), and early access to findings.

Contact: [Insert Name / Title]
Email: [Insert Contact Info]
Website: [Insert link]

Prepared by: The Republic Project / Civic Ethics Alliance™
Version: 2025-05-16

Have an audit idea? A city you’re concerned about? Let us know.
Contact: [Insert contact form/email]
Follow: [Social links]

© Civic Ethics Alliance / The Republic Project – All Rights Reserved

Donor Invites By Audience

Tailored Versions for:

• Individuals
• Political Allies
• Business Leaders
• Foundations & Grant Providers

INDIVIDUAL EMAIL
POLITICAL ALLIES EMAIL
BUSINESS LEADERS EMAIL
FOUNDATIONS / GRANT PROVIDERS EMAIL
Activist Letter
Donor Letter

NDA Reminder

Here’s a compelling, direct, and strategic email draft that honors our tone and purpose. It’s designed to re-engage the NDA signees and prompt action toward Tier 2 while spotlighting Travis Seegmiller and the newly launched Civic Ethics Alliance™.

Subject: What Are You Waiting For? Big News + Your Seat at the Table

We work quietly, professionally, and legally but we don’t pull punches.
This isn’t a white-glove policy memo. It’s a strike tool.

Dear [First Name],

You signed the NDA – that tells me you’re serious.
But if you’re still sitting on the sidelines, let me ask you this:

What are you waiting for?

Because things are moving fast and Utah isn’t going to fix itself.

In just the past few days, we’ve launched an entirely new arm of the project – and it came from a single idea brought forward by someone you’ll now recognize as a major force behind this mission:

Travis M. Seegmiller joins our Board of Directors

You may already know Travis as one of Utah’s most principled former lawmakers and a top-ranked conservative, constitutional expert, and fierce advocate for ethics and integrity in government.

Now he’s officially joined The Republic Project as both a Board Member and the Coordinator of our brand-new initiative:

The Civic Ethics Alliance™

Born out of a brainstorming session and built in less than 6 hours, this new oversight initiative is designed to:
Audit public institutions for ethical and constitutional violations
Deliver high-impact reports that expose misuse of power
Offer both nonprofit-backed and for-profit accountability solutions

We’ll be posting the full breakdown soon. You’ll find it at the link below (password-protected, just for those of you who’ve signed the NDA):
[Link to Travis’s Bio & Civic Ethics Overview]

Password: [repro]
One Simple Idea — Immediate Execution

The Civic Ethics Alliance is just one example of what’s possible when smart people step up, speak up, and take action.

So now I’m asking you directly:
Do you have an idea?
If so, don’t keep it to yourself.
If not, join us and help shape the next one.

You signed the NDA. You saw the plan.

Tier 2 is where momentum meets meaning. Don’t miss your moment.

I hope to hear from you soon.

In Liberty,
Ed Wallace

IX. Public Rollout & Launch Campaign

Purpose: Organize and plan the timeline and communication strategy for unveiling CEA publicly. Includes: Site launch strategy, media packet, audit teasers, press release templates.
Audience: The general public, media, donors, allies
Key Question: “How do we launch this powerfully and with maximum integrity?”

Includes:

• Website copy and launch timeline
• Social media strategy and talking points
• Coordinated media releases or press packets
• First public audit campaign teaser
• Email sequences for early supporters
• Branding alignment checks

The Civic Ethics Alliance™

Born out of a brainstorming session and built in less than 6 hours, this new oversight initiative is designed to:

Audit public institutions for ethical and constitutional violations
Deliver high-impact reports that expose misuse of power
Offer both nonprofit-backed and for-profit accountability solutions

One Simple Idea — Immediate Execution

The Civic Ethics Alliance is just one example of what’s possible when smart people step up, speak up, and take action. So now we’re asking you directly:

Do you have an idea?
If so, don’t keep it to yourself.
If not, join us and help shape the next one.

Marketing Plan Summary

[How to reach public, partners, and media. Press timing and platform coordination.]

• Press release strategy
• Email drip campaigns
• Social media engagement
• Partnership development
• Phases: Research → Analysis → Report → Release
• City selection framework
• Outcomes & media triggers

Civic Ethics Alliance™ – Strategic Marketing Plan Overview

GOAL

Position Civic Ethics Alliance™ as a hard-hitting, citizen-led ethics audit service that exposes corruption, builds public trust, and empowers reform without requiring government permission.

1. Press Strategy – Launch & Legitimacy – PROTECTED

General Info (Soft): Civic Ethics Alliance™

A Government Accountability Initiative from Republic Stratagems & The Republic Project

Restoring Public Trust, One Audit at a Time

The Civic Ethics Alliance™ is a citizen-powered initiative dedicated to restoring integrity and accountability in local and state government. We provide independent ethics audits for public offices, agencies, and municipal bodies—evaluating decisions, finances, relationships, and operational transparency.

Whether commissioned by citizen groups, municipal leaders, or media watchdogs, our audits shine a spotlight on behavior that violates public trust or falls short of ethical standards.

Backed by the investigative and oversight strength of The Republic Project, and powered by data-driven analysis and legal insight, each audit delivers a clear, documented report—exposing misconduct, policy loopholes, or patterns of cronyism.

A single ethics audit can reveal more than a year of media reporting.
Just the knowledge that an audit is underway can trigger policy changes, panic coverups, or prompt resignations. We’ve seen it firsthand.

What’s Included in an Ethics Audit?

• Analysis of conflicts of interest, insider dealings, and pay-to-play practices
• Review of budget allocations, expenditures, and procurement processes
• Oversight of public meeting compliance, transparency practices, and citizen input access
• Red flags in hiring, contracting, or regulatory enforcement
• Cross-referencing official actions with financial disclosures, campaign donations, and lobbyist activity
• Optional: On-the-ground investigation or interviews (local team required)

Who Can Request an Audit?

• Local citizen coalitions
• Investigative journalists
• Elected officials seeking internal accountability
• Political candidates or PACs
• Nonprofit watchdog groups
• State-level transparency organizations

Our Mission, Our Model

The Civic Ethics Alliance™ is a mission-aligned service under the umbrella of:

The Republic Project (Nonprofit): Supports investigative audits as part of its core mission to uphold constitutional governance, transparency, and public engagement.

Republic Stratagems (For-Profit): Offers audits and consulting services on a contract basis—allowing for deeper investigations, full documentation, and rapid response.

This model supports sustainability while remaining aligned with ethical principles.

Whether donor-funded or contracted commercially, all ethics audits reinforce the same goal: exposing corruption and defending the Republic.

Launch Partners & Pilot Opportunities

We are currently accepting nominations for pilot audits in towns, cities, counties, or agencies with known transparency issues. These early audits may receive discounted or pro bono support depending on mission alignment and visibility potential.

Want to Request an Audit?
[Submit an Inquiry or Request Audit Support]
(Include contact form/button here)

General Info (Hard) Civic Ethics Alliance™

Here’s a slightly harder pitch version of the Civic Ethics Alliance™ landing page, tailored for political donors, PACs, reform candidates, and civic watchdogs who want results and impact fast:

Expose Corruption. Pressure Change. Restore Integrity.
A Tactical Oversight Arm of Republic Stratagems & The Republic Project

Government Doesn’t Clean Itself Up.

That’s Why We Audit.

The Civic Ethics Alliance™ delivers hard-hitting, independent government ethics audits designed to expose corruption, mismanagement, and backroom deals. Whether it’s a shady city council, a bloated bureaucracy, or a media-connected development scheme, we shine a light where no one else will.

Backed by legal experts, data analysts, and experienced watchdogs, our audits hit where it hurts:
Procurement. Power. Public perception.

When the mayor gets a notice that a full audit is underway, things change… fast.

We’ve seen policies reversed, projects halted, and corrupt officials panicked… before we even publish.

What’s Inside an Ethics Audit?

• Political & financial conflict mapping
• Budget, contract, and grant misuse detection
• Analysis of zoning, development, and insider dealings
• Noncompliance with open records, public meeting, or transparency laws
• Evidence of collusion between officials, lobbyists, and media
• Cross-verification with campaign finance, legal filings, and whistleblower tips
• Clear scoring & documentation—delivered to the public (or media) with precision

Who Uses This?

Reform candidates who want ammunition before an election
Citizen coalitions pushing back on city hall corruption
Journalists looking for airtight facts behind the scenes
PACs and watchdog orgs who want measurable impact
Concerned residents who are tired of being ignored

We work quietly, professionally, and legally but we don’t pull punches.
This isn’t a white-glove policy memo. It’s a strike tool.

A Mission with a Model

The Civic Ethics Alliance™ is deployed through two aligned arms:

The Republic Project (Nonprofit): Offers mission-based pro bono or subsidized audits as part of a long-term plan to restore constitutional governance and accountability.
Republic Stratagems (For-Profit): Manages rapid-response audits, high-sensitivity cases, and specialty consulting through client contracts.

This dual-structure allows us to hit hard while staying legal, ethical, and sustainable.

Launch Audits Underway

We’re currently selecting target sites for pilot audits.
If your city, school board, or county has problems—they’re already on our radar.

Want to be part of the first wave?
[Submit a Request | Nominate a Target]
(Button or form link)

Want to Make a Difference?
Help fund an audit.
Or request one yourself.
Let’s make corruption feel the pressure it’s long avoided.

Outreach Letter for Contracted Ethics Audits (Local Gov or Citizen Groups)

Subject: Offer of Support: Government Ethics Audits for Transparency & Public Trust

Dear [Mayor / Councilmember / Community Leader / Coalition Leader],

My name is [Your Name], and I represent The Civic Ethics Commission, a public-integrity initiative of Republic Stratagems. We specialize in nonpartisan ethics audits for local governments and civic organizations by helping to identify vulnerabilities, improve transparency, and restore public trust.

We understand the growing public demand for ethical oversight, accountability, and clean government. Our team of researchers, investigators, and policy analysts offers a discreet and professional auditing process to examine areas like:

• Financial oversight & procurement integrity
• Regulatory fairness
• Conflict of interest exposure
• Administrative decision-making
• Communication transparency (email records, policy memos)

Whether commissioned by citizen groups or welcomed by public officials, our custom audits provide the clarity, credibility, and corrective insight communities deserve.

If your city, county, or organization would benefit from an Ethics Integrity Review, I would be honored to schedule a consultation. Our work has already made a measurable difference in Utah and we’re now expanding services nationwide.

Thank you for standing up for clean government.
Let’s make transparency a reality, not just a slogan.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Ethics Audit Coordinator
Republic Stratagems / The Civic Ethics Commission
[Email] | [Phone] | [Website]

X. Operational Structure & Delivery Model

Purpose: Detail the actual boots-on-the-ground mechanics operational map for how ethics audits are executed — from intake through final reporting. This includes roles, timelines, deliverables, and field-tested workflows to ensure repeatable, high-integrity results. Includes: Audit phases, team structure, chain of command, turnaround timelines, deliverables.
Audience: Audit coordinators, project leads, contractors, legal staff, and donors seeking transparency.
Think: “How do we actually produce and deliver an audit report?”
In short: It’s our execution blueprint, with the people, tools, and phases.
Includes:

• Team roles: coordinator, lead analyst, legal counsel, investigators, researchers
• Delivery phases: discovery → investigation → reporting → public release
• Timelines, pipelines, review loops
• Quality control: scoring rubrics, confidentiality, draft reviews
• Output types: full audit, media brief, reform roadmap
• All five audit lifecycle phases

PROTECTED

G. Voting Role Expansion

This same same structure can be applied to a Citizen’s Audit of Voter Rolls, and it’s a strong strategic fit. Here’s how to approach it using our existing nonprofit/LLC framework:

STRUCTURE COMPATIBILITY

Nonprofit Arm (The Republic Project)

• Can support civic education, voter integrity awareness, and public transparency reporting.
• Safe uses include:
• Publishing a public-facing report on irregularities
• Educating the public about proper voter registration procedures
• Hosting events or interviews on voter integrity
• Training volunteers on how to request and interpret public data

For-Profit Arm (Republic Stratagems, LLC)

• Can offer professional audits or consulting services to groups, coalitions, legal teams, or even officials who want technical help reviewing:
• Voter roll exports
• Registration timelines
• Chain of custody breakdowns
• Cross-checking against census or obituaries
• Can contract paid experts, analysts, or legal support
• Can be hired directly by outside groups (i.e., Patriot groups, campaigns, watchdog coalitions)

This lets us lead powerful audits, stay legally compliant, and preserve our nonprofit’s public-interest integrity.

Strategic Use:

Nonprofit does public reports and mobilizes citizen action
LLC executes technical or legal audits for payment, offering a service model
Both arms can reference and amplify each other when needed

This kind of initiative terrifies local officials — and that’s a sign it works.

XI. Personnel & Roles

Purpose: List all team members, board roles, bios, and recruitment needs. Track who’s doing what, and why they matter Includes: Role descriptions, status (volunteer/contracted), org chart.
Audience: Internal leadership, funders, team onboarding
Key Question: “Who are the key people, and what do they bring to the mission?”
Includes:

• Bio summaries for BOD, legal team, audit team
• Role definitions (e.g., Travis = Legal Coordinator)
• Volunteer/intern tiers (if any)
• Compensation or pro-bono terms
• Contact info / chain of command

Key Audit Team Job Descriptions – Civic Ethics Alliance

Operational Roles for Execution of Local and State Ethics Audits

Founding Coordinator – Civic Ethics Alliance – Travis M. Seegmiller

Role Overview: Lead and represent the Civic Ethics Alliance™ as its founding coordinator, ensuring mission fidelity, strategic execution, and public integrity across all audits and partnerships. Oversee audit scope, manage team, ensure timely delivery. Hourly Rate:

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic oversight of all audit initiatives
• Act as liaison to The Republic Project (nonprofit) and Republic Stratagems (LLC)
• Serve as public face and policy leader for CEA efforts
• Support grant development, sponsor relations, and stakeholder engagement
• Uphold constitutional and ethical standards across all operations

Compensation: Negotiable or honorary (may begin unpaid with future board-approved contract)

Research Assistant(s) (Contract or Volunteer) – Open Position

Role Overview: Support investigative team by collecting, organizing, and verifying public records, meeting minutes, contracts, and FOIA data. Hourly Rate:

Responsibilities:

• Monitor government websites and public databases
• Extract and summarize agendas, minutes, and regulatory actions
• Flag recurring names, conflicts, or concerning trends
• Assist with preliminary background reports and document timelines

Forensic Financial Analyst (Contract Consultant) – Pending Position

Role Overview: Analyze city/county budgets, contracts, audit trail gaps, and public spending records to identify financial anomalies or misuse of funds. Hourly Rate: depending on certification/experience

Responsibilities:

• Review financial disclosures, vendor payments, and bond structures
• Identify red flags: overbilling, sole sourcing, budget padding
• Translate findings into clear, citable summaries for audit reports
• Support public-facing reform recommendations

Data Analyst / Python Developer (Technical Contractor) – Pending Position

Role Overview: Build, automate, develop analytical tools, manage scripts for scraping, data extraction, cleaning, and analyzing public datasets; support audit pattern detection and relationship mapping. Hourly Rate:

Responsibilities:

• Create Python scripts to automate data collection (e.g., agendas, minutes)
• Process PDF/OCR data using tools like Tesseract or Adobe
• Structure relational data (people, entities, votes, conflicts)
• Generate visual maps or graphs of potential ethical risks

MAGIC Analyst (Media Analysis / Narrative Research) – Ed Wallace

Role Overview: Evaluate media coverage, narrative framing, and public messaging tied to government activity; track bias, omissions, and propaganda patterns. Hourly Rate:

Responsibilities:

• Monitor news, press releases, and social media activity around audit targets
• Score alignment or divergence from verified records
• Flag coordinated campaigns or misleading language
• Produce narrative audit summaries or public awareness outputs

Audit Program Coordinator (Paid Staff or Contract) – Open Position

Role Overview:

• Research and connect with local/state watchdog groups
• Vet incoming audit requests
• Coordinate team assignments (legal, investigative, data)
• Oversee report production and public release
• Track outcomes and follow-up

Bonus/Incentive Structure: For a for-profit model, we could offer a commission or success bonus for each audit the coordinator lands or completes.

BYLAW STRUCTURE RECOMMENDATION: Compensation Framework for Duel service (Non-Profit & LLC)

1️⃣ Nonprofit Governance Role (Board of Directors, The Republic Project)

Contracted personnel serve on the Board, which governs the nonprofit.
Board members are typically unpaid unless there is a clear exception clause.

Solution:

Amend the Bylaws to:

Allow specific Board members to perform paid services, if:
It is disclosed,
Approved by a disinterested majority of the Board, and
Based on a reasonable, arms-length agreement.

We’ll add a clause allowing consulting or program-based compensation (e.g., project audits), distinct from “Board service.”

2️⃣ Civic Ethics Audit Work (Independent Services Rendered)

First audit is pro bono (for demonstration).
Future audits may generate program revenue or outside funding.

Best Framing:
Structure audits as commissioned by The Republic Project, with implementation handled by:

Board Member as a contractor, OR
Republic Stratagems, LLC, depending on the funding source and optics.

The Republic Project may commission services for audit delivery from individuals or outside firms, including Republic Stratagems, LLC or [insert officer name], under terms approved by the disinterested members of the Board of Directors. Any such compensation must be disclosed, recorded in meeting minutes, and be for services distinct from his Board duties. This allows:

Audit work to be fairly compensated.
Travis’s leadership to remain credible and above-board.
Future funding or donor-backed audits to go through either the nonprofit or the LLC, depending on tax, branding, or operational needs.

LEADERSHIP

Travis M. Seegmiller, J.D.

Travis serves as the founding Coordinator of the Civic Ethics Alliance™, a strategic initiative of The Republic Project dedicated to restoring integrity in public institutions through independent constitutional audits. A former Utah State Representative and member of the Legislative Audit Committee, Seegmiller was repeatedly recognized as one of Utah’s top conservative lawmakers, earning multiple “Defender of Liberty” awards from grassroots and liberty-based policy groups for his uncompromising constitutional conservatism. Seegmiller brings decades of experience in legal, legislative, and public policy reform.

Before entering public office, Seegmiller was a Partner at the national law firm Patton Boggs LLP, where he represented both Fortune 100 clients and pro bono constitutional causes. He also served on the faculty at Georgetown University Law Center, and has advised governments and private organizations on international law, policy, and economics across Latin America and the Middle East. A cum laude graduate of both Yale University and Georgetown Law, Seegmiller’s unmatched combination of legal expertise, ethical rigor, and frontline legislative experience make him a formidable force in the fight for good governance. His oversight approach prioritizes transparency, cost control, constitutional fidelity, and a higher standard of integrity in public life, guided by a deep understanding of the proper role of government.

As a member of the Board of Directors and chief strategist behind The Republic Project’s Civic Ethics Alliance™, Seegmiller brings unmatched insight, field-tested leadership, and an unwavering moral compass. His efforts are now focused on training the next generation of ethical watchdogs, launching statewide transparency audits, and rebuilding trust in public governance through principled accountability.

Ed Wallace

Ed serves as Research Coordinator and MAGIC Analyst the Civic Ethics Alliance™, and is the visionary behind The Republic Project. A nationally recognized investigative journalist and constitutional advocate, Ed is the founder of UtahStandardNews.com and has dedicated decades to exposing corruption, defending liberty, and holding power to account. His work has reshaped public discourse in Utah and beyond, uncovering financial abuse, media manipulation, and political collusion at every level of government. A descendant of Founding Revolutionary patriots, Ed brings unmatched historical grounding, strategic clarity, and moral courage to the mission of restoring ethical governance in America.

XII. Branding & Messaging

Purpose: Preserve the integrity of how CEA looks and sounds across platforms by defining our visual identity, tone, naming system, and narrative. Includes: Logo guidelines, naming systems, style rules, approved language and visuals.
Audience: Designers, social team, writers, partners
Key Question: “How do we look, sound, and feel — and why?”
Includes:

• Logo, font, and color specs
• Taglines and positioning statements
• The naming hierarchy: “Alliance,” “GrEAT,” “Commission,” “Division,” etc.
• Aesthetic tone (e.g., bold, patriotic, serious, not corporate)
• Example language (elevator pitches, disclaimers, mission lines)
• Style guide or messaging dos & don’ts

CONTEXT: Why Word Choice Matters in Ethics-Based Engagement

Research shows that Information Engagement (IE), especially around civic and ethical content, shapes how individuals interact with and use information in a manner that manifests cognitively, behaviorally, and affectively.

Studies provide evidence that IE differs from other forms of engagement in that it is driven and fostered by the expression of the information itself, regardless of the information system used to view, interact with, and use the information. The findings suggest that phrasing can have a significant effect on the interpretation of and interaction with digital information, indicating the importance of expression of information, in particular word choice, on decision making and IE.

The following follows the evolution of CEA and explores how the use of the following “Ethics” phrasing, specifically word choices, will impact on IE, decision making, and the impact of, and relationships among the three IE dimensions of perception, participation, and perseverance.

• Perception (Does this seem important, trustworthy, and worth exploring?)
• Participation (Does this make me feel empowered or invited to act?)
• Perseverance (Do I stay with the issue, revisit, or contribute over time?)

Titles that effectively stimulate all three tend to include:

• Moral clarity (“ethics,” “accountability”)
• Civic action signals (“audit,” “commission,” “team”)
• Institutional legitimacy (“commission,” “division”)
• Identity and inclusion cues (“alliance,” “civic”)

I (Ed Wallace) started the naming quest by asking my non-carbon, life-form friend, George (named after George Orwell), in jest, to muse on the name “The Audit Team”, modeled after the old movie and TV show “The A Team”, but, instead of tough soldiers in combat gear and looking fierce with guns, etc., replace them with a group of geeks, wearing big glasses, suspenders, bow ties, sweater vests, rolled up pant cuffs, pencils above their ears, etc. The result:

Then, I suggested “Audits R Us” (it was late). George commented: ““Audits R Us” has satire baked into it, which could absolutely work if you’re leaning bold or populist in tone — like a watchdog that isn’t afraid to laugh while it bites. Think: You fund it. We find it.” But if you’re aiming for more credibility with legislators or legal partners, here are a few name ideas that strike a sharper, punchier, or more strategic tone while still keeping your fire:

Patriotically Serious:

• Integrity Audit Initiative (IAI)
• The Liberty Auditors
• Constitutional Audit Corps
• Civic Ethics Commission (sounds official, but it’s yours)

Bold with Teeth:

• Accountable Now
• Ethics Under Oath
• The Exposure Bureau
• Redline Audit Project (implies crossing constitutional lines)

Hybrid Options:

• The Citizen’s Ethics Audit
• Watchtower Reports
• Civic X-Rays
• Public Trust Audit Group

Bottom line: If “Audits R Us” gets them looking, then it’s done its job. You can always have a more formal subtitle underneath:

Audits R Us
A project of Republic Stratagems LLC”

I pondered upon this for about. 009 seconds, then asked George to evaluate the following “titles” for our project

• Civic Ethics Alliance
• Civic Ethics Commission
• Government Ethics Accountability & Transparency Team
• ETHICS IN GOVERNMENT: Accountability & Transparency Enforcement Division
• Government Ethics Audit Team” (GrEAT)

Here is George’s reply:

Ed, this is a sophisticated and timely inquiry — and it cuts right to the heart of strategic language framing. You’re asking: Which phrasing best triggers engagement, clarity, and authority in the minds of your audience — not just in passing, but in a way that drives perception, participation, and perseverance?

Let’s break it down using the three dimensions of Information Engagement (IE) and tie them to cognitive psychology and behavioral research on word choice and authority perception in digital and civic domains.

EVALUATION OF PHRASES

Let’s evaluate your titles using those IE dimensions:

1. Civic Ethics Alliance
   Perception: 🟢 High — “Ethics” + “Civic” suggests grassroots but principled
   Participation: 🟢 Very High — “Alliance” suggests you could join this
   Perseverance: 🟡 Moderate — may sound softer, less investigative
   Summary:
   Strong for building broad-based buy-in and early participation. It feels like a cause people can be proud to join. Best used as the public brand or outreach umbrella.
2. Civic Ethics Commission
   Perception: 🟢 Strong — “Commission” implies formality and structure
   Participation: 🟡 Medium — “Commission” feels more exclusive or governmental
   Perseverance: 🟢 Strong — perceived seriousness can enhance follow-through
   Summary:
   Good if you want quasi-institutional authority. May be better suited for internal structuring or a review board within your ecosystem.
3. Government Ethics Accountability & Transparency Team
   Perception: 🟢 High — loads keywords people trust: “accountability,” “transparency”
   Participation: 🟡 Medium — “Team” is good, but the phrase is long and bureaucratic
   Perseverance: 🟢 High — serious tone reinforces legitimacy
   Summary:
   Technically strong but lacks emotional punch. Best for white papers, reports, or legal briefs, not as a public-facing name.
4. ETHICS IN GOVERNMENT: Accountability & Transparency Enforcement Division
   Perception: 🟢 Very High — bold and institutional
   Participation: 🔴 Low — “Enforcement Division” may intimidate civic audiences
   Perseverance: 🟡 Medium — may encourage media attention but not citizen return visits
   Summary:
   Sounds like a federal strike force, which may be great in press headlines or public reports, but not ideal for open collaboration or grassroots empowerment.
5. Government Ethics Audit Team (GrEAT)
   Perception: 🟢 High — clear purpose, with audit precision
   Participation: 🟡 Medium — “Team” is friendly, but acronym risks sounding gimmicky
   Perseverance: 🟢 Strong — “Audit” creates seriousness and repeatability
   Summary:
   Highly effective for operational or investigative units. Could be used internally or for branded field teams (like SWAT, but legal). Could also work in satire-based outreach.

RECOMMENDED COMBINATION STRATEGY

You don’t have to pick one. Here’s a layered framing approach:

Primary Public-Facing Name (IE-optimized for all dimensions):

Civic Ethics Alliance™

(Empowers participation, feels cause-based, welcoming)

Internal or Ops Branding (for credibility/authority):

• Civic Ethics Commission – For board-level reviews
• Government Ethics Audit Team (GrEAT) – For field audits and findings
• Transparency Enforcement Division – For high-stakes legal escalation, not public-facing

Media & Report Framing:

“This report was prepared by the Government Ethics Audit Team under the direction of the Civic Ethics Alliance, a division of The Republic Project.”

Final Takeaway:

• Use Alliance for public engagement
• Use Audit Team (GrEAT) for operations
• Use Commission for board-level gravitas
• Use Transparency Enforcement Division only when a sledgehammer is needed

I found no fault in the logic. And, so it is:

XIII. Working Notes & Future Enhancements

Purpose: Keep track of evolving ideas and next-phase tools or campaigns without cluttering finalized strategy Includes: Scorecards, dashboards, AI integrations, expansion states, early feedback from trusted allies.
Audience: Internal use only
Key Question: “What’s next, and what are we learning along the way?”
Includes:

• Features to build (Governance Heatmap™, scorecards, dashboards)
• Feedback from advisors or early partners
• Expansion notes (other states, public-facing tools)
• Funding target lists and grant strategies
• Workflow wishlists (e.g., full automation, AI case reviewer)

Prepared for Internal Leadership & Strategic Development Use Only

PROTECTED

Version: May 2025