The proper operation of government requires
that public officials and public employees be independent, impartial
and responsible to the people; that governmental decisions and policies
be made free from undue influence and in the proper channels of governmental
structure; that governmental office and employment not be used for
unauthorized personal gain; that governmental officials and employees
strive to avoid even the appearance of impropriety; and that the public
have confidence in the integrity of its government. The purpose of
this Code of Ethics is to set forth standards of ethical conduct to
guide officials and employees of the Town of Simsbury in the conduct
of their public responsibilities and to develop and maintain a tradition
of responsible and effective public service. In recognition of these
goals, this Code of Ethics is established pursuant to authority granted
to the Town by Connecticut General Statutes Section 7-148h, as amended.
For the purpose of this chapter, the following
terms shall have the indicated meanings:
AGENCY
All boards, commissions, authorities and committees of the
Town of Simsbury, including the Board of Education, but not including
a Town Meeting.
BENEFICIAL INTEREST
Any nonfinancial interest or special treatment that is not
common to other citizens of the Town. An individual's beneficial interests
shall include the beneficial interests of all members of his/her family.
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
Information, whether transmitted orally or in writing, that
is obtained by an official or employee by reason of his/her public
position and is of such nature that, at the time of transmission,
it is not a matter of public record.
CONSULTANT
Any independent contractor or professional person or firm
that is engaged by and receives compensation from any agency for the
purpose of providing scientific, technical or other specialized opinion
to such agency and is in a position to influence any decision of an
agency, official or employee.
EMPLOYEE
Includes all persons, including but not limited to officers
and supervisors, employed by the Town and encompasses all persons,
including but not limited to officers and supervisors, employed by
the Board of Education.
FINANCIAL INTEREST
Any interest that has a monetary value of $100 or more or
generates a financial gain or loss of $100 or more in a calendar year;
and is not common to the other citizens of the Town. An individual's
financial interests shall include the financial interests of all members
of his/her family but shall not include any duly authorized compensation
from the Town.
OFFICIAL
Includes all persons who are members of a Town agency.
Except as otherwise required by law, no official,
employee or consultant shall disclose, without proper authorization,
confidential information, nor shall be/she use such information to
advance his/her financial or beneficial interests or the financial
or beneficial interests of others. This section shall not be used
to restrict the release of information that is properly available
to the public.
No official, employee or consultant may inappropriately
use his/her position to influence a decision affecting a financial
interest or a beneficial interest in his/her favor or in favor of
any other person or entity.
Without proper authorization, no official, employee
or consultant shall grant any special consideration, treatment or
advantage to any citizen beyond that which is available to every other
citizen.