CCM Workshop: Ethics and Conflicts of Interest; Feb. 17, 2009

Workshop:

Ethics and Conflicts of Interest

Feb. 17, 2009
Cromwell Town Hall, Cromwell, 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 Cromwell Town Hall
41 West St
Cromwell, CT, 06416 COST per attendee CCM Member Town/City: NO CHARGE, Non-Member: $120

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Ethics and Conflicts of Interest - Feb. 17, 2009 - CCM Member Town/City: NO CHARGE, Non-Member: $120

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How did you learn about this Workshop?

By submitting your on-line registration, you will be immediately registered. Payment is expected prior to workshop date. You will automatically be sent a registration confirmation form.

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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.

DIRECTIONS

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Connecticut Conference of Municipalities
900 Chapel Street, 9th Floor
New Haven, CT 06510
Phone: (203) 498-3000
Fax: (203) 562-6314