The proper operation of democratic government requires that Town Board
of Selectmen and their appointees be fair, impartial and responsive to the
needs of the people and each other in the performance of their respective
functions and duties; that decisions and policy be made in proper channels
of the Town's governmental structure; that public office not be used simply
for personal gain; and that such Selectmen and their appointees maintain a
standard of conduct that will inspire public confidence in the integrity of
the Town's government. In recognition of these goals, a Code of Ethics is
hereby established for all Town Selectmen, and all members and associate members
of the Board of Appeals, Planning Board, Advisory Board, Recreation Committee,
Recycling Committee, Cable Television Committee, Community Development Advisory
Committee, Board of Assessors, Department of Electric Works Board of Directors,
and Madison Library Board of Trustees.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
BOARD
Board of Selectmen, Board of Appeals, Planning Board, Advisory Board,
Recreation Committee, Recycling Committee, Cable Television Committee, Community
Development Advisory Committee, Board of Assessors, Department of Electric
Works Board of Directors, and Madison Library Board of Trustees.
BOARD MEMBER
Member or associate member of the Board of Selectmen, Board of Appeals,
Planning Board, Advisory Board, Recreation Committee, Recycling Committee,
Cable Television Committee, Community Development Advisory Committee, Board
of Assessors, Department of Electric Works Board of Directors, and Madison
Library Board of Trustees.
BUSINESS
Any corporation, partnership, individual, sole proprietorship, joint
venture, or any other legal recognized entity organized for the purposes of
making a profit.
FINANCIAL INTEREST
A direct or indirect interest having monetary or pecuniary value
including, but not limited to, the ownership of shares of stock.
IMMEDIATE FAMILY
Spouse, and the following, when living in the household of a Selectmen
or Board member: children, parents, brothers and sisters.
MADISON BOARD OF SELECTMEN
For purposes of this code, references to the "Madison Board of Selectmen"
shall be construed to mean the Madison Board of Selectmen and any of the committees
or subcommittees thereof.
SPECIAL INTEREST
A direct or indirect interest having value peculiar to a certain
individual or group, whether economic or otherwise, which value may accrue
to such individual or group as a result of the passage or denial of any order,
ordinance or resolution or the approval or disapproval thereof, by any Board,
and which interest is not shared by the general public.
TOWN EMPLOYEE
Any individual working for, on a permanent or temporary basis, and
drawing a salary from, the Town of Madison, except employees of the School
Department. The term "Town employee" shall not include consultants or special
personnel providing services on a short-term contractual basis.
In addition to any other penalties or remedies as may be provided by
law, violation of this code shall constitute cause for censure, after notice
and hearing conducted by the Board of Selectmen. A majority of the Madison
Board of Selectmen shall conduct such proceedings.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this code
is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such invalidity
or unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality
of the remaining portions of this code.