By submitting this Application for Appointment, I pledge that, if appointed, I agree by my signature below that all of the information above is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and I pledge to comply with the following ethics guidelines as fully set forth in the Code of Ethics.
I. Declaration of Policy
The proper operation of democratic government requires that public officials and employees be independent, impartial and responsible to the people; that governmental decisions and policy be made in proper channels of the governmental structure; that public office not be used for personal gain; and that the public have confidence in the integrity of its government.
In recognition of these goals, a Code of Ethics for county officials was adopted. The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for ethical standards of conduct for all officials and to set forth actions that are compatible with the best interests of the County.
II. Applicability of Ethics Policy
The provisions of this policy shall apply to all elected and appointed county officials, members of County Boards and Committees appointed by the County Commissioners and other County employees.
III. Financial and Personal Disclosure
Any County official or employee who must officially consider any public matter involving his financial or personal interests or those of his immediate family, shall first publicly disclose the nature and extent of such interest and shall abstain from acting thereon unless provisions of state law require otherwise.
IV. Gifts and Favors
No official or employee shall knowingly accept any gift, whether in the form of money, thing, favor, loan or promise, when it could reasonably be inferred that the gift was intended to influence or reward an official action on his part. Gifts, meals, other favors of an incidental nature and of minor value (less than $100), or legitimate political contributions shall not be included in this policy.
V. Appointment, Employment, or Contract Award of Relatives or Business Partners
Public officials of the appointing authority must disclose on the public record any person of their immediate family related by blood or marriage or business interest who is being considered for appointment, employment, or contract award by that authority.