Two commissioners have spouses who are city employees. One, to his credit, had asked the city attorney if it was a conflict for him to discuss salaries and cost of living.

The Department of Justice filed a letter of interest in this case, which, according to law experts, is exactly what it sounds like. The DOJ has interest in how the situation plays out.

Federal prosecutors can bring charges against government workers who violate the criminal conflict of interest statute, an offense that’s punishable with a fine of up to $250,000 and up to five ...