(A) The town, recognizing that our system of representative government is dependent in part upon the people maintaining the highest trust in their public officials and employees, finds and declares that the people have a right to be assured that the impartiality and independent judgment of the public officials and employees will be maintained.
(B) It is evident that this confidence and trust is eroded when the conduct of the town's business is subject to improper influence and even the appearance of improper influence.
(C) For the purpose of guarding against improper influence, the Mayor and Council enact this Public Ethics Law to require town officials and employees to disclose their financial affairs and to set minimum standards for their conduct of town business.
(D) It is the intention of the Mayor and Council that this chapter be liberally construed to accomplish this purpose.
(Ord. 06-2012, passed 11-5-2012)