Is a code of conduct a priority for the Templeton Board of Selectmen at this time?

Consider what is already on paper, in front of them, within the Policies and Procedures for the Board of Selectmen, which were discussed in part at last night's "workshop" meeting.

A code of ethics document may outline the mission and values of the business or organization, how professionals are supposed to approach problems, the ethical principles based on the organization's core values and the standards to which the professional is held.

A code of conduct is a set of rules outlining the social norms and rules and responsibilities of, or proper practices for, an individual, party or organization. Related concepts include ethical, honor, moral codes and religious laws.


The following can be found on the Town website under Boards and Committees, Board of Selectmen -Town of Templeton policies.

BOARD ETHICS:

1.     A member of the Board of Selectmen, in relation to his or her community should:

A.     Realize that his or her basic function is to make policy, with administration delegated to the Town Administrator.

B.     Realize that he or she is one of a team and should abide by all board decisions once they are made.

C.    Be well informed concerning the duties of a board member on both local and state levels.

D.    Remember that he or she represents the entire community at all times.

E.     Accept the office of Selectmen as a means of unselfish service, not benefit personally or politically from his or her board or outside activities.

F.     In all appointments, avoid political patronage by judging all candidates on merit, experience and qualifications only.

G.    Abide by the ethics established by the state and not use the position to obtain inside information on matters which may benefit someone personally.

2.       A member of the Board of Selectmen, in their relations with administrative officers of the Town  should:

A.     Endeavor to establish sound, clearly defined policies that will direct and support the administration for the benefit of the people of the community.

B.     Recognize and support the administrative chain of command and refuse to act on complaints as an individual outside the administration.

C.    Give the Town Administrator full responsibility for discharging his or her disposition and solution.

3.      A member of the Board of Selectmen, in his or her relations with fellow board members, should:

A.     Recognize that action at official legal meetings is binding and that he or she alone cannot bind the board outside of such meetings.

B.     Uphold the intent of executive session and respect the privileged communications that exists in executive session.

C.    Make decisions only after all facts on an issue have been presented and discussed.

D.    Treat with respect the rights of all members of the board despite differences of opinion.

I leave to you if the above covers both ethical behavior and conduct in a responsible manner.

posted by Jeff Bennett