(A) The proper operation of democratic government requires that public officials and employees be independent, impartial and responsible to the people; that governmental decisions and policy be made in proper channel of the governmental structure; that public office not be used for personal gain; and that the public have confidence in the integrity of its government.
(B) In recognition of these goals, the town code of ethics for town officials is hereby adopted. The purpose of §§ 37.01 to 37.08 of the code of ethics is to establish rules of conduct and procedures to govern behavior of town officials. The purpose of §§ 37.01 to 37.08 is to assure that the town officials receive appropriate information about the code of ethics. The purpose of § 37.06 is to provide a procedure for a town official to seek non-binding advisory guidance prior to or during a continuation of a potential infraction of the code of ethics regarding his or her conduct or the conduct of any other town official. The code of ethics is not intended to be exhaustive or to replace a town official’s personal conscience. Town officials should strive to exceed the standards of the code of ethics and, thereby, preserve and promote the public’s faith in the integrity of town government.
(C) With regard to decisions involving the town’s land use regulations, all applicable state statutes, case law and regulations shall control over the code of ethics only when the statutes, case law or regulations are more strict or restrictive than the code of ethics with regard to penalties or prohibited participation by a town official. Otherwise, this code of ethics shall be in addition to the statutes, case law and regulations.
(D) The code of ethics is not intended to replace, conflict with or modify applicable criminal or civil statutes of the state. In the event of a conflict, however, state law shall control over the code of ethics when the state law is more restrictive. Otherwise, this code of ethics shall be in addition to the statutes, case law and regulations.
(Ord. 10-17, passed 11-3-2010)