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 free
from undue influence and in the proper channels of governmental structure;
that public office not be used for personal gain; and that the public
have confidence in the integrity of its government. In recognition
of these goals there is hereby established a Code of Ethics for all
Town officials and employees, whether elected, appointed or in the
employ of the Town or of any of its boards or agencies, whether paid
or unpaid, full time or part time. The purpose of this code is to
establish standards of conduct for all such officials and employees
by setting forth those acts or actions that henceforth shall be deemed
to be incompatible with the best interests of the Town of Plainville.
Violation of any provision of the Code of Ethics shall constitute
grounds for, and may be punished by:
A. Public censure and reprimand;
B. In the case of an elected official, request of resignation by the
Commission;
C. In the case of a public employee, recommendation of dismissal from
employment or recommendation of suspension from employment for not
more than 30 days without pay, provided that the violation or record
of cumulative violations constitutes "just cause" in accordance with
settled labor law, upon advice of counsel;
D. A civil penalty in accordance with the Municipal Powers Act; or
E. Restitution of any pecuniary benefits received because of the violation
committed.
The members of the Commission shall adhere to the following
Code of Conduct under which the members shall:
A. Observe high standards of conduct so that the integrity and independence
of the Commission may be preserved;
B. Respect and comply with the law and conduct themselves at all times
in a manner which promotes public confidence in the integrity and
impartiality of the Commission;
C. Be faithful to the law and maintain professional competence in the
law;
D. Be unswayed by partisan interests, public clamor or fear of criticism;
E. Maintain order and decorum in proceedings of the Commission;
F. Be patient, dignified and courteous to all persons who appear in
Commission proceedings and to other persons with whom the members
deal in their official capacity;
G. Refrain from making any statement outside of a Commission proceeding
which would have a likelihood of prejudicing a Commission proceeding;
H. Refrain from making any statement outside of a Commission proceeding
that a reasonable person would expect to be disseminated by means
of public communication if the member or employee should know that
such statement would have a likelihood of materially prejudicing or
embarrassing a complainant or a respondent;
I. Preserve confidences of complainants and respondents;
J. Exercise independent professional judgment on behalf of the Commission;
and
K. Represent the Commission competently.