New McCandless ethics policy holds employees, volunteers to same standards as elected officials

McCandless council is putting its employees and volunteers on notice that the positions are not to be used for personal gain.

Council on Aug. 24 unanimously passed a resolution establishing a code of ethics that covers elected officials, volunteers, employees and people who are appointed to the town’s various boards and committees.

Elected officials already are covered by a state ethics law, but that does not extend to other people affiliated with the town.

“Many towns are adopting a code of ethics, and most workplaces have them,” said council President Kim Zachary during an Aug. 10 discussion session for the resolution.

“What we are trying to accomplish is a clear and concise communication to everyone associated with the town of what the expectations are. It’s just kind of a way to put everyone on the same page,” she said.

Councilwoman Shelly Spohnholz said keeping the policy simple — and short — is important.

“We’re trying to get, on one sheet of paper for orientation, what the town expects so people don’t have to go to Google to find out what the state ethics rules are,” she said.

Ambiguous language about what constitutes a conflict of interest was scrubbed from a draft version of the resolution after several members of council felt it might be interpreted too broadly.

Town attorney Gavin Robb said the aim of the conflict-of-interest portion of the ethics policy is to clearly state that people cannot use their position of authority, or any confidential information to which they have access, to financially benefit themselves or their families.

The policy also covers how people associated with the town are expected to conduct themselves.

Councilman David Smith said he supported both “the content and the optics” of the measure as a way to let people know “if you are going to serve the town, this is what we expect.”

The ethics code includes provisions requiring people to:

• Undertake the responsibilities and duties of the position in a manner that results in the good of the entire community rather than for one’s personal benefit or advancement.

• Maintain a professional level of courtesy, respect and objectivity in all town-related activities.

• Demonstrate respect for the diversity of opinions of others.

• Promote collaboration, cooperation and partnership.

• Exercise reasonable care, good faith and due diligence in town affairs.

• Disclose information that may result in a perceived or actual conflict of interest.

• Remain accountable for prudent fiscal management.