The proper operation of democratic government requires that public officers and employees be independent, impartial and responsible to the people of Wethersfield; that government decisions and policy be made in the proper channels of governmental structure; that public office not be used for personal or private gain; that the public have confidence in the integrity of government; that public officials carry out their duties to the best of their abilities and with high moral and ethical standards, regardless of personal considerations, and that their conduct should at all times avoid conflict between public and private interests and responsibilities. In recognition of these goals, a Code of Ethics is hereby established for governed persons of the Town of Wethersfield, as are hereinafter defined. The purpose of this code is to establish ethical standards of conduct by setting forth those actions that are in conflict with the best interest of the Town and by directing disclosure of any financial or personal beneficial interest in matters affecting the Town.
The Code of Ethics of the Town of Wethersfield shall govern the Town Council and all other elected officials, the Library Board, all other Town employees; also all persons appointed to boards, commissions or advisory committees by the Board of Education, the Town Council, the Mayor, the Superintendent of Schools or the Town Manager, hereinafter referred to collectively as "Governed Persons." With respect to such persons who are appointed to boards, commissions or advisory committees by, or who are employed by the Board of Education, the Town Council, the Mayor, the Superintendent of Schools or the Town Manager, the respective appointing authority or employer for such persons is each hereinafter individually referred to as the "Appointing Authority." The Appointing Authority of members of the Town Council and the Board of Education shall be deemed to be the Town Council and the Board of Education, respectively.
No governed person shall grant or accept any special consideration, treatment, favor or advantage beyond that which is generally available to all residents and/or taxpayers of the Town; provided, however, nothing in this code shall prohibit a governed person from accepting free admission to any dinner, dinner dance, concert, play, sporting or other similar event sponsored by the Town, the Board of Education, any Town board or commission or by any recognized volunteer or charitable organization in the Town of Wethersfield.
No governed person shall promise an appointment or the use of his influence to obtain an appointment to any municipal position as a reward for any political activity.
Any governed person who questions the applicability of this code to his or her pending or potential act, vote, bid, discussion, receipt of anything of value, exceeding $50, and the like may request an opinion from the Board of Ethics. The request shall be submitted in the form required by the Board's Rules of Practice. Such governed person shall be given a prompt opportunity to explain his or her position and interpretation of the Code of Ethics before the Board of Ethics. Opinions of the Board of Ethics shall be advisory. This code shall be operative in all instances covered by its provisions except when superseded by an applicable statutory or Charter provision.
Violations of any provisions of this code should raise conscientious questions for the Governed Person concerned as to whether voluntary resignation or other action is indicated to promote the best interest of the Town. Violation may, upon determination by the Appointing Authority, constitute a cause for censure, suspension, removal from office or other appropriate legal proceedings.
There is hereby created a Board of Ethics which shall be charged with the administration of the Code of Ethics. The Board of Ethics shall be composed of five resident electors and three alternates, to be appointed by the Council. Of the five regular members no more than two shall be of the same political party, and of the three alternates, no more than one shall be of the same political party, provided that the members of the Board with designated major party membership shall be recommended for appointment by their party in accordance with the normal selection process of such party. Of the five members initially appointed, three shall be appointed for terms of three years and two for terms of two years. Of the three alternates initially appointed, two shall be appointed for terms of three years and one for a term of two years. All subsequent appointments to the Board shall be for terms of three years. Any regular member having served for six consecutive years shall be ineligible for reappointment to the Board. For individuals filling a vacancy, consecutive years of service will commence with the next appointment period.
The Board shall adopt Rules of Practice which it deems necessary to carry out the intent of this article, and the same and any amendments thereto shall be filed in the office of the Town Clerk and available for public inspection.
The Board shall report its findings to the Appointing Authority as to any violations of the Code of Ethics, together with recommendations as to disposition to be made. The Appointing Authority shall consider such findings and shall determine within 30 days what disposition shall be made and shall notify the Board and all interested parties.