Public office is a public trust. The trust of
the public is essential for government to function effectively. In
recognition of these principles, herewith is established a Code of
Ethics for all Town officials, officers and employees. The purpose
of this code is to establish suitable ethical standards for all such
officials, officers and employees by prohibiting acts not in the best
interests of the Town of Clinton.
As used in this chapter, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
BUSINESS
Any entity through which activity for profit or not for profit
is conducted, including but not limited to a corporation, partnership,
proprietorship, firm, enterprise, franchise, association, organization,
or self-employed individual.
COMPLAINANT
Any person who signed a complaint under penalties of false
statement as defined in C.G.S. § 53A-156 alleging a violation
of this code.
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
Information, whether transmitted orally or in writing, which
is obtained by reason of the public position or office held, that
is not, at the time of transmission, a matter of public record.
CONFIDENTIAL INVESTIGATION
The examination, prior to the finding of probable cause,
of both written and oral evidence, that is not to be disclosed to
any third party by anyone connected with the investigation, except
upon the written request of the respondent.
FINANCIAL INTEREST
A monetary or pecuniary benefit received by a Town official/employee
as a result of a contract, transaction, zoning decision or other matter
which is, or may be, the subject of an official act or action by or
with the Town of Clinton. Exceptions being for such contracts or transactions
which by their terms and by the substance of their provisions confer
the opportunity and right to realize the accrual of similar benefits
to all persons and/or property similarly situated.
GIFT
Anything of economic value, including services in excess
of $100 in a calendar year. A gift does not include:
A.
A political contribution, reported as required
by law, or a donation or payment as described in C.G.S. § 9-601a(b)(9)
or (11).
[Amended 8-5-2009]
B.
A commercially reasonable loan made on terms
not more favorable than loans made in the ordinary course of business.
C.
A gift received from a member of a person's
immediate family or fiancee.
D.
Goods or services which are provided to the
municipality and facilitate government actions or functions.
E.
A certificate, plaque or other ceremonial award.
F.
A rebate or discount on the price of anything
of value made in the ordinary course of business, without regard to
that person's status.
G.
Printed or recorded information germane to government
action or functions.
H.
An honorary degree bestowed upon a public official
or public employee by a public or private university.
I.
A meal provided at an event or business meeting
and/or the registration or entrance fee to attend such an event, in
which the public official or public employee participates in his official
capacity.
J.
A meal provided in the home by a Clinton resident.
K.
Gift giving occasions recognized by the public,
including religious holidays or religious events, birthdays, the birth
or adoption of a child, and weddings, provided that the total value
of such gifts for each event shall not exceed $100.
IMMEDIATE FAMILY
Spouse, child, parent, grandchild, brother, sister, grandparent,
daughter-in-law, son-in-law, mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-law,
brother-in-law or partner in a civil union.
ON THE RECORD
In writing, signed and dated, or a directive to the secretary
taking the minutes of a meeting to note in the minutes of the meeting
a special disclosure or statement.
PERSONAL BENEFICIAL INTEREST
Any interest, other than financial or pecuniary, which would
affect the action of the official or employee, except if that interest
is based solely on the responsibility of his/her Town office or employment.
Membership in or affiliation with a social, fraternal, charitable,
service, educational, religious, governmental or similar nonprofit
organization is not deemed to automatically create a presumption of
personal interest unless the official or employee is also an employee
of the organization.
PROBABLE CAUSE
Defined by determining whether the facts would warrant a
reasonable person to believe that a Town official, officer or employee
violated this code; the belief should be more than a mere suspicion,
but less than proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
RESPONDENT
Any person accused of violating this code.
Any person aggrieved by any final decision of
the Board may appeal such decision within 30 days of the official
posting in accordance with the provisions of C.G.S. § 4-175
or 4-183. If successful, any and all reasonable legal fees will be
paid by the Town of Clinton.