A recent controversy in the idyllic town of Washington Connecticut has led some to argue for that municipality to adopt an ethics code. The problem arose when the First Selectman’s son was made the caretaker of the town’s beach house by local officials, even though several others were interviewed for the position. Now folks in town are crying foul over the conflict of interest and calling for the adoption of a code.
The local paper editorialized that this was a poor justification for big government when all that was needed was voters exercising their right to vote the offenders out of office. While the electorate in Washington CT may certainly choose to do so, this doesn’t solve the immediate problem of a conflict of interest. Conflicts happen, maybe even more so in a small town where everyone knows everyone and relationships are close knit. Trouble can be avoided if people understand the rules BEFORE they act. If it is spelled out in a code, and the consequences of violation are clear, then there can be no argument about what is and isn’t a conflict. Absent a code mandated by the state, municipalities are wise to adopt their own codes to steer clear of debate.
