District elected officials may be expressing a new commitment to high ethical standards. But most appear baffled by what, in practical reality, that really means. Consider as evidence D.C. Mayor Vincent C. Gray’s continued push of Elizabeth Noel’s confirmation to the Public Service Commission — despite an indisputable conflict-of-interest that could create problems for the city. For nearly 30 years, Noel was the legal representative for residents in cases against utility and telecommunications companies regulated by the PSC. Some people have argued appointing her to rule on disputes where she previously represented one side would be unethical, could invite costly litigation and impede the commission’s work.

But those arguments have fallen on Gray’s deaf ears. He has, apparently, been listening to unions, who contributed more than $1 million to help get him elected. They, said government and business sources, are “pushing Noel.”