This code shall be known as, referred to, or cited as the "Town
of Addison Ethics Code."
The proper operation of a democratic government requires that
public officials and employees be independent, impartial and responsible
to the people; that government decisions and policies be made in proper
channels of the government structure; that public office and employment
not be used for improper personal gain; and that the public have confidence
in the integrity of its government. The Town Board of Addison believes
that a Code of Ethics for the guidance of officials and employees
will help them avoid conflicts which are substantial and material
between their personal interests and their public responsibilities.
In recognition of these goals, there is hereby established a Code
of Ethics for Town of Addison officials and employees. It is intended
that this code shall apply to all persons whose functions require
the exercise of discretion and judgment. Nothing herein contained
is intended to deny to any individual rights granted by the United
States Constitution, the Constitution of the State of Wisconsin, the
laws of the State of Wisconsin or by any negotiated labor agreements.
Public officials and employees are agents of public purpose
and hold office for the benefit of the public. They are bound to uphold
the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the
State of Wisconsin and to carry out impartially the laws of the nation,
state and Town, and to observe in their official acts the highest
standards of ethics and to discharge faithfully the duties of their
office regardless of personal considerations, recognizing that the
public interest must be their primary concern. Their conduct in their
official actions should be above reproach so as to foster respect
for all government.
Any employee or official found by the Town Board to have violated any provision of this code shall be entitled to a due process hearing substantially in compliance with the procedures set forth in Subchapter III of Chapter
19 of the Wisconsin Statutes or as it may hereinafter be amended. The hearing shall be before the Administrative Committee servicing as the Ethics Board. Any employee or official found to have violated this code shall be subject to discipline, including, but not limited, to termination of employment. Any action taken by an employee in violation of the Town board's ethics policy may be deemed void. Any alleged violation of this code by a member of the Town Board shall be referred by the Town Clerk to the Board of Ethics.
In this code, except as hereinafter set forth, the definitions
set forth in § 19.42, Wis. Stats., shall apply:
FINANCIAL INTEREST
Any interest that will yield directly or indirectly a monetary
or other material benefit to the officer or employee or to any person
employing or retaining the services of the official or employees or
any member of the immediate family of said official or employee, except
as permitted by § 946.13, Wis. Stats.
OFFICIAL or TOWN PUBLIC OFFICIAL
Any person holding an appointed Town office, and includes
all Town department heads, including elected officials and members
of the Town Board.
PERSON
Any natural person, corporation, partnership, proprietorship,
firm, enterprise, franchise, association, organization, trust or other
legal entity recognized as such by the laws of the State of Wisconsin.
PRIVILEGED INFORMATION or CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
Written or oral material related to Town government which
has not become a part of the body of public information and which
is designated by statute, court decision, lawful orders or custom
as being either privileged or confidential.