(a) Our system of representative government depends in part on the people maintaining the highest trust in their officials and employees. The people have a right to public officials and employees who are impartial and use independent judgment.
(b) The confidence and trust of the people erodes when the conduct of County business is subject to improper influence or even the appearance of improper influence.
(c) To guard against improper influence, the Council enacts this public ethics law. This law sets comprehensive standards for the conduct of County business and requires public employees to disclose information about their financial affairs.
(d) The Council intends that this Chapter, except in the context of imposing criminal sanctions, be liberally construed to accomplish the policy goals of this Chapter. The Council also intends that this Chapter meet the requirement under state law that the County adopt legislation that is similar to the state public ethics law. (1990 L.M.C., ch. 21, § 1; 1997 L.M.C., ch. 37, §1.)
Editor’s note-The above section is quoted in Sugarloaf Citizens Assn. v. Gudis, 319 Md. 558, 573 A.2d 1325 (1990) and in Sugarloaf Citizens Association v. Gudis, 78 Md.App. 550, 554 A.2d 434 (1989).
See County Attorney Opinion dated 12/6/02 discussing whether a public employee may accept an honorarium or other reimbursement of expenses in return for a speech or presentation. See County Attorney Opinion dated 7/8/02 describing the extent to which quasi-judicial officials may engage in political activities.