Ethics in Government: Navigating Complex Scenarios for Public Officials

Slide Note

Learn about key statutes and ethical dilemmas faced by public officials, including conflicts of interest, public fund management, employment decisions, and purchasing procedures. Explore scenarios involving contracting, use of public funds, employment relationships, and more.

grantra Follow

Uploaded on Sep 14, 2024 | 0 Views

Download Presentation

Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.

The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. Download presentation by click this link. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

Avoiding a Collision of Interests Jerry Mason IAC Midwinter Legislative Conference February 2020

Key Statutes Ethics in Government Act Bribery and Corrupt Practices Act Prohibition Against Contracting Local Land Use Planning Act

Contracting (Sales) You are elected commissioner; you own the only grocery store in 20 miles. Can the county continue to buy coffee room supplies from your store? A. Yes B. No

Contracting (Sales) You (a commissioner) own the local equipment dealership with a partner. The county road department has two graders and a nearly new front-end loader that were bought from your company. Can the county buy parts or service from the service department? A. Yes B. No

Public Funds While at the IAC meeting in Boise you inadvertently use your county credit card to buy dinner for your spouse and friends. You didn t notice it until the Clerk calls it to your attention. Have you committed a crime? A. Yes B. No

Employment You are the elected assessor. Your son- in-law works for the city PD and is offered a position with higher rank in the Sheriff s department. Can he accept the offer? A. Yes B. No

Alternative Your son-in-law excels at GIS. As the Assessor, can you offer him a job in your office? A. Yes B. No

Alternative Now you are a Commissioner, can the Assessor who succeeded you offer employment to your son-in-law? A. Yes B. No

Purchasing You have solicited bids for a remodeling job at the courthouse. The apparent low bid is submitted by a company owned by a friend who is a leader in the congregation of your church, as are you. You learn that the power of attorney of the insurer of the low bidder has expired. Can you accept the bid? A. Yes B. No

Planning and Zoning Conflicts Your county owns 40 acres of farmland on the outside edge of the county seat that is being held for a future justice complex. The neighboring landowner seeks to locate an ag services business on the adjacent undeveloped parcel by special use permit. Can the Commissioners serve as decision-makers? A. Yes B. No

Alternatives Same question, but the 40 acres is owned by a close friend who is a member of the Lions club and booster club with you. He is a vocal opponent. Can you participate? A. Yes B. No

Gifts While attending the conference you drop your business card into a fish bowl for a drawing for a trip to Phoenix (4 days, 3 nights). Your card is drawn. Can you accept the trip? A. Yes B. No

Relatives You are newly elected as Commissioner. Your sister-in-law s daughter currently holds a position as a deputy courtroom clerk. She had sought a position as a senior deputy in the Treasurer s office. The Treasurer has chosen her. Can she take the job? A. Yes B. No

Public Records As a public hearing regarding a proposed subdivision nears, a gaggle of people who know your personal email and text addresses bury you in comments about the proposal. Can you participate in the hearing? A. Yes B. No

Disclosure You are a silent investor in an LLC that seeks development approval from your commission. You send your fellow commissioners a text message recusing yourself. You go to the hearing, but say nothing, and you don t vote. Are you clear of any claims of wrongdoing? A. Yes B. No