Douglas County Dist. Atty. Charles Branson has asked Atty. Gen. Paul Morrison to take over an investigation of possible open meetings violations by the Lawrence City Commission – saying the investigation has “expanded to consider the actions of individual city commissioners.”

Branson said last week he was investigating the matter after receiving three formal complaints alleging that city commissioners violated the Kansas Open Meetings Act when it conducted a closed-door executive session last month to discuss a contract that would give a first-of-its-kind tax rebate to Deciphera Pharmaceuticals.

Friday afternoon, Branson cited “potential conflicts of interest” in pursuing the investigation himself.

“As district attorney I have close official and some personal relationships with the city commissioners,” Branson said in a press release. “Although I am confident this matter could be handled without any question of impropriety or favoritism by my office. I want the investigation results to be free from challenge.”

He added: “Turning these matters over removes any concern of a conflict between the investigators and the subjects of the investigation.”