Ethics, Accountability and Conflicts of Interest February 27, 2010
Monroe, CT
9:30 a.m. – Noon, Registration 9:00 a.m.
NOTICE: Due to inclement weather the Feb. 27 "Ethics, Accountability,
& Conflicts of Interest" workshop in Monroe has been postponed to March
6 - same time and location.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
What do conflicts of interest have to do with ethics?
Public service is always about protecting the common good, which
may be defined as the common conditions that are important to the
welfare of everyone - police, fire, parks, libraries, and other public
services. A public servant must always put the common good ahead
of any personal, financial, or political benefit they might receive from a
decision about such matters as where to situate a park or who should
collect the garbage.
Also, conflicts of interest interfere with the basic ethical principle of
fairness treating everyone the same. A public official should not take
unfair advantage of his or her position by voting on a matter that
could benefit them at the expense of others.
Finally, conflicts of interest undermine
trust. They make the
public lose faith in the integrity of
governmental decision making
processes.
This program will outline best
practices in developing an ethics
commission and tips on avoiding
conflicts of interest.
An interactive discussion will provide answers to some tough questions:
1) can you accept gifts, and if so, what are the limits? 2) 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? Bring
your questions to the session and learn how to manage the tough
stuff.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
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.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Mayors, First Selectmen
Town/City Managers
Council and Board
Members
Municipal Attorneys
Ethics Commission Members
Finance Directors
Personnel Directors
Purchasing Agents
Town Clerks
Department Heads
CCM PRESENTERSMichael LaVelle, Esq
Partner, Pullman and ComleyAttorney 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.WHERE
Edith Wheeler Memorial Library
Community Room
7 Fan Hill Road
Monroe, CT 06468-1800
(203) 452-2800
COST per attendee
CCM Member Town/City: NO CHARGE, Non-Member: $120
