CCM Workshop: Ethics, Accountability and Conflicts of Interest

Workshop:

Ethics, Accountability and Conflicts of Interest

November 5, 2009
East Hartford Community Cultural Center, East Hartford, CT
9:00 a.m. – 12 noon, Registration 8:30 a.m.

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 everyonepolice, 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 decisionmaking 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. 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.

PRESENTERS Michael LaVelle, Esq., Partner
Pullman & Comley

Meredith Trimble, Director of Education
Office of State (CT) Ethics

WHERE East Hartford Community Cultural Center
50 Chapman Place
East Hartford, CT 06108 COST per attendee CCM Member Town/City NO CHARGE, Non-Member $120

This workshop is open to CCM Member Municipalities only.

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Ethics, Accountability and Conflicts of Interest - CCM Member Town/City NO CHARGE, Non-Member $120

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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

From I-84 East:
Take the Governor Street Exit (#56). At the end, take a right onto Governor Street. Go to the first stop light and take a left onto Prospect Street. At first stop sign, take a right onto Richard Road. The EHCCC is on the left at the end of the street (Across from the Town Green).

From I-84 West:
Take the Governor Street Exit (#56). At the end, take a right onto Governor Street.Go to the first stop light and take a left onto Prospect Street. At first stop sign, take a right onto Richard Road. The EHCCC is on the left at the end of the street (Across from the Town Green).

From Rte 2 West:
Go to the end of Route 2-East Hartford. At the end, bear right onto Governor Street. At light, take a left onto Prospect Street. At Stop sign, take a right onto Richard Road. The EHCCC is at the end on the left.

From I-91 South:
When approaching the Hartford area, watch for East Hartford Exit. It is a left hand exit, so stay in the left lane. The exit is an extremely sharp loop! At the end of the exit ramp, enter onto I-84 on the Bulkeley Bridge. Stay in the right lane. Take the Connecticut Boulevard Exit. Stay to the left going onto Connecticut Boulevard. Go to the end. At the light, take a left onto Main Street. At the fourth traffic light (look for Dunkin Donuts), take a left onto Chapman Street. The EHCCC is at the end (on Chapman Place).

From I-91 North:
When approaching the Hartford area, watch for Route 5 & 15 (Exit 29-Charter Oak Bridge). Go to Exit 90 (Route 5 North-Main Street Exit). At the end, take a left onto Main Street. Go up Main Street for nine lights. (Watch for Dunkin Donuts on right). Across from Dunkin Donuts is Chapman Street. The EHCCC is at the end (on Chapman Place).

From Route 5 North
Drive south from South Windsor on Route 5 (John Fitch Boulevard). When it enters East Hartford, it becomes Ellington Road, and after the third traffic light it becomes Main Street, East Hartford. After going under the railroad overpass, watch for Triple A Diner on the right. Chapman Street is the third street on the right (look for Dunkin Donuts on left), after passing the diner. The EHCCC is at the end (on Chapman Place).

Possible Detour Directions off Exit 56
At the end, take a right onto Governor Street. If when you come to the light you may not turn left, go straight. Take 3rd left onto Robbin Terrace. Community Center will be in front of you. Parking either in lot or park on right.

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