Ethics and Conflicts of Interest March 11, 2009
Groton Town Hall Annex, Groton, 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.
SPEAKERSIra W. Bloom, Esq.
Partner, Berchem, Moses & Devlin, P.C.
Ira W. Bloom is a partner in the Westport office of Berchem, Moses &
Devlin, P.C. He has practiced in the land use and municipal areas for
many years. Mr. Bloom has been Town Attorney for Westport since
1998 and has served as counsel to Easton for several years. He has also
represented other municipalities, including Darien, Monroe, Greenwich,
and Trumbull.
Floyd J. Dugas, Esq.
Partner, Berchem, Moses & Devlin, P.C.
Mr. Dugas is a Partner in the labor and employment law section of the
Westport office of Berchem, Moses & Devlin, P.C. where he chairs the
firm’s municipal labor practice. He regularly advises municipalities,
boards of education and Housing Authorities on various facets of
municipal law.WHERE
Cromwell Town Hall
41 West St
Cromwell, CT, 06416
COST per attendee
CCM Member Town/City: NO CHARGE, Non-Member: $120
