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Workshop:
Ethics and Conflicts of Interest
May 6, 2009
Darien Library, Darien, CT
9:00 a.m. – 12 noon, Registration 8:30 a.m.
DESCRIPTION
At times it's simple
to see when things
go wrong in government:
City officials
make important
public decisions in
secret meetings.
Others take money
for their own financial
gain.
Then there are the
times when the situation is not so clear: Can you accept
gifts and if so what are the limits? Is it acceptable for a
Mayor or First Selectman to hire or appoint a family
member even if the appointee is the best person for the
job?
The definition of ethics according to Webster is
straightforward: the discipline dealing with what is
good and bad and with moral duty and obligation. But
conflicts of interest arise from this definition and many
municipal codes.
Anyone in public office should not place him or herself
in a situation which tends to weaken public confidence.
Each municipality must decide what ethics regulations
are appropriate and necessary for their constituency.
Knowing these ethical principles and issues at the local
government level will help you learn the skills and good
judgment to recognize when you are in a conflict of
interest situation.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
- Mayors/First Selectmen
- Town/City Managers
- Council and Board Members
- Municipal Attorneys
- Finance Directors
- Personnel Directors
- Purchasing Agents
- Town Clerks
WHY ATTEND
- Learn how to establish and operate an ethics
commission
- Outline steps to develop a code of ethics for your
town or city.
- Learn how to avoid and resolve conflicts of
interest.
- Find out what’s legal, appropriate, and fair
regarding gifts, travel expenses, outside
employment, and nepotism.
SPEAKERS
Michael LaVelle, Esq.
Partner, Pullman and Comley
Attorney LaVelle concentrates his practice in the area of labor and employment
law, including the National Labor Relations Board and other
administrative agency practice, and employment discrimination and
wrongful discharge litigation. Mr. LaVelle also has many years of experience
as a municipal attorney, with extensive litigation in zoning and land
use cases.
Meredith Trimble
State of Connecticut, Ethics Office
Meredith Trimble came to Connecticut in August 2005 from Washington,
D.C., where she worked at the United States Federal Election Commission
(FEC). Ms. Trimble now serves as the Director of Education at
the Connecticut Office of State Ethics, where she handles communications,
public information and training for public officials, state employees
and registered lobbyists.
WHERE
Darien Library
1441 Post Road
Darien, CT
COST per attendee
CCM Member Town/City: NO CHARGE, Non-Member: $120
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For more information, or to register, call the CCM Training hotlines at (203) 498-3018 at any time or call (203) 498-3000 during business hours.
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DIRECTIONS
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