[HISTORY: Adopted by the Special Town Meeting of the Town
of Topsham 5-19-2010, Art. 20. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Administration of government — See Ch. 6.
The purpose of this section is to set forth codes of conduct
that govern how the Board of Selectmen and Town Manager will function
in relation to one another and in relation to the public that they
both serve.
The Board of Selectmen shall conduct its duties in accordance
with this code of conduct to the extent possible:
A.
Be
responsible elected officials dedicated to the concepts of effective
and democratic local government.
B.
Affirm
the dignity and worth of the services rendered by government and maintain
a constructive, creative, and practical attitude toward local government
affairs and a deep sense of social responsibility as a trusted public
servant.
C.
Be
dedicated to the highest ideals of honor and integrity in all public
and personal relationships in order that the member may merit the
respect and confidence of the public.
D.
Conduct
their official and personal affairs in such a manner as to give the
clear impression that they cannot be improperly influenced in the
performance of their official duties.
E.
Not
discuss or divulge information with anyone about pending or completed
ethics cases, except as specifically authorized by policies, ordinances
or statutes.
F.
Recognize
that the chief function of local government at all times is to serve
the best interests of all of the people, to the maximum extent possible.
G.
Adopt
and implement Town policy that is fair, impartial, and meets the objective
of furthering the quality of life in Topsham for its citizens.
H.
Work
cooperatively as a Board of Selectmen in presenting issues involved
in referenda such as bond issues, annexations, and similar matters.
I.
Keep
the community informed on local government affairs; encourage communication
between the citizens and all local government officers; emphasize
friendly and courteous service to the public; and seek to improve
the quality and image of public service.
J.
Resist
any encroachment on professional responsibilities, believing the member
should be free to carry out official policies without interference,
and handle each problem without discrimination on the basis of principle
and justice.
K.
Handle
all matters of personnel on the basis of merit so that fairness and
impartiality govern a member's decisions pertaining to appointments,
pay adjustments, promotions, and discipline; handle all personnel
matters in a confidential manner, respecting the rights of the employee
involved and refraining from any public criticism of the Town Manager
or other Town employees who are appointed by the Board of Selectmen.
L.
Seek
no favor; believe that personal aggrandizement or profit secured by
confidential information or by misuse of public time is dishonest.
M.
Not
invest or hold any investment, directly or indirectly, in any financial
business, commercial, or other private transaction that creates a
conflict with their official duties.
N.
Not
disclose to others, or use to further their personal interest, confidential
information acquired by them in the course of their official duties.
O.
Not
engage in, solicit, negotiate for, or promise to accept private employment,
nor should he or she render services for private interests or conduct
a private business when such employment, service, or business creates
a conflict with or impairs the proper discharge of their official
duties.
The Town Manager shall conduct his/her duties in accordance
with the Maine Town and City Management Association Code of Ethics.
